By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) welcomed a delegation from the Defence Headquarters, led by Brigadier General Idris Lawal, in a visit aimed at fostering collaboration and strategic partnership.
RMRDC Director-General, Prof. Nnayelugo Ike Muonso, expressed his pleasure in receiving the delegation, stating that the visit marks a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to work with the Defence Headquarters.
The proposed partnership aims to enhance the self-reliance of the defence sector and contribute to national growth, industrialization, food security, and economic development, the RMRDC DG remarked.
In his words: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the RMRDC today. We are honored to receive the delegation from the Defence Headquarters on this occasion. Your visit marks a significant milestone, and we hope it becomes a strategic and enduring partnership between the RMRDC and the Defence Headquarters,” the DG remarked.
Continuing, he stated: “As a Council charged with the promotion and utilization of local raw materials for industrial growth, we view this engagement not only as an opportunity to collaborate on the expansion and effective utilization of the RMRDC’s FACT project but also as a gateway to broader areas of cooperation that support both national development and defence-related goals.”
He added: “The RMRDC demonstration farm project is a model of agricultural innovation and raw materials production. Its potential aligns well with the operational and logistics needs of the Armed Forces and can be maximized to support the food supply chain for the military, agro-industry equipment, and specialized crop production tailored to defence needs.”
Beyond agriculture, the DG identified other opportunities for collaboration:
1. Research and development of military-grade raw materials, fibers, and other locally sourced inputs essential for defence manufacturing.
2. Training and capacity building in raw material processing, agro-industrial technology, and local content development for military personnel and institutions.
3. Joint development of strategic reserves and supply chains for critical raw materials that support defence and national security.
4. Collaboration on innovation hubs and industrial parks dedicated to defence-oriented technologies and local material innovations.
5. Promoting resource sustainability, especially in military zones where raw materials harvesting or agricultural activities are conducted.
“We believe this kind of partnership will not only enhance the self-reliance of the defence sector but also contribute significantly to national growth, industrialization, food security, and economic development,” the RMRDC DG emphasized.
“We are excited by the possibilities this engagement presents, and we assure you of the Council’s full commitment to working closely with your team to develop practical frameworks for implementation,” he concluded.
In response, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff appreciated the RMRDC for the interface. He noted that many personnel are already engaged in food production. He added that the current Defence leadership is committed to partnering with key organizations like the RMRDC, which has vast experience in raw materials and food production. Brigadier General Lawal mentioned that the Defence Headquarters had commenced pilot projects in Kaduna and the FCT and could not succeed without strong partnerships.
Brigadier General Lawal, a member of the Defence staff committee, highlighted that the Nigerian Army Farm was established eight years ago following a presidential directive mandating the proper use of military lands near barracks. He stated: “The Chief of Defence Staff decided to establish a Defence Farm Limited, an integrated, mechanized farming concept for livestock and crop production. This requires direct support from RMRDC, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, the Central Bank, the Bank of Industry, and others. We want to leverage the knowledge, experience, and database RMRDC and other stakeholders possess. This is going to be a partnership for progress.”
He added: “The Defence Farm is one of the subsidiaries of Defence Holdings and will be launched soon. We hope to hit the ground running, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration.”
Standard-Times Nigeria correspondent reports that several RMRDC directors commented separately on the Chief of Defence Staff’s presentation.
Dr. Valerice Ehimiaghe, Director of the National Competitiveness and Special Strategy Unit, assured the CDS representative that all necessary resources, from agronomists to raw materials, were available and emphasized that the project is of national importance.
Mrs. Rachel Kotso, Director of the Planning, Policy, and Statistics Department, also delivered a vote of thanks. She said: “I am elated to be part of this strategic partnership between the RMRDC and the CDS. If managed properly and strategically, it will support the current administration’s food security drive and help Nigeria achieve one of its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. RMRDC is fully committed.”
Earlier, Dr. Ike, who provided insight into the project roadmap, stated: “This relationship is critical. If this is the only thing I accomplish, I must see it through. You are moving at the speed of light, and RMRDC will provide the framework and capacity to deliver.”
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Kotso thanked the DG for making time to receive the Defence Headquarters team and acknowledged Brigadier Generals Idris Lawal and Dan for their representation. “This is the seed of a strategic and positive partnership that will stand the test of time,” she said.
Responding to Standard-Times Nigeria, RMRDC Director-General Prof. Nnayelugo Ike Muonso said: “One of the biggest institutions in the country has given them over 1,000 hectares of farmland for the demonstration project, which is set to begin this farming season. Beyond farming, the RMRDC will support the military in various ways.”
The engagement between the RMRDC and the Defence Headquarters comes just ahead of Africa’s largest Raw Materials Summit scheduled for May 20–22, 2025. The DG noted: “Everything revolves around raw materials. With global protectionist movements rising, Africa has only one solution: to invest in its own raw materials. That is exactly what will be happening at the Africa Raw Materials Summit.”