By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Director of Communication at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mr. C.O. Ngaha, has emphasized the Council’s ongoing commitment to using data-driven strategies to transform Nigeria’s raw materials sector through value addition and industrial development.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Investors’ Forum held recently, Ngaha described the Director General of RMRDC as “a digital man” committed to data analytics in policy formulation.
He noted that the event served as a platform to bring together key stakeholders from raw materials production, processing, and utilization to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector.
“This forum is not just about talk,” Ngaha stated. “It is about generating the right data needed to reposition sourcing, utilization, and development of raw materials for industrial purposes. When farmers, processors, and end-users converge in this kind of environment, it makes policy planning and implementation much more effective.”
Ngaha stressed that RMRDC has undertaken raw materials mapping and engagement across all 36 states of the federation, including Abia, Kaduna, Enugu, and Cross River, to better understand production dynamics and opportunities for value addition.
Spotlight on Ginger: A Critical Agro-Industrial Commodity
A major highlight of the forum was the discourse around ginger production in Nigeria. The President of the Ginger Association, who was also present, raised concerns over Nigeria’s declining competitiveness in ginger production, once a sector of strength.
“Nigeria used to meet global demand for ginger, but production has declined due to multiple challenges including insecurity, poor packaging, lack of value addition, and weak marketing,” the Association President noted.
He praised the unique qualities of Nigerian ginger, attributing its global appeal to local soil and topography, while cautioning against foreign exploitation of indigenous seedlings and genetic traits.
In her remarks, Dr. Adedoyin Asa, reinforced the urgency of value addition. Shee noted that exporting raw ginger significantly undervalues Nigeria’s economic potential:
“If you export raw ginger, the value is 700% lower than what you could get with just 10% added processing,” She said. “This is why we need infrastructure and investment to support value chains.”
Ngaha revealed that a legislative bill is in the works to mandate a minimum of 30% value addition before any raw material leaves the country. He expressed hope that the bill will be passed into law to protect and grow local industries.
“This legislation is key. It will ensure that before any product is exported, at least a portion of value is added locally,” he said. “That’s how we grow our GDP and create jobs.”
Both Ngaha and Dr. Asa called for stronger collaboration between agro producers and research institutions such as the Nigeria Crop Research Institute. They emphasized the need for a coordinated approach involving government, industry players, and R&D facilities to drive innovation, boost production, and develop a modern extractive industry.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial Potential
The RMRDC believes that value chains in raw materials such as ginger can address several national challenges—ranging from food insecurity to unemployment—by creating industries in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
“We must stop relying on foreigners or resting on past glory. It’s time to invest in infrastructure, training, and technology,” Ngaha concluded. “This event is just the beginning of greater things to come. The goal is simple—industrial growth, job creation, and GDP expansion through value addition.”
The forum ended with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to align with RMRDC’s mission of transforming Nigeria from a raw material exporter to a value-added industrial economy.