With over 200 million population, and a land mass of almost 4000 square kilometres, Nigeria operates a resource-based economy that is driven by the exploitation of natural resources. As part of its effort to compete in the global race to invest in local commodities for industrialization and economic growth, Nigeria is leaving no stones unturned to promote commodities based investment in the country.

Little wonder then that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has commissioned a raw materials resource Centre in partnership with the Niger State government to sensitize prospective investors in commodity based investment opportunities in the state.  

The Centre which was the second to be commissioned after Katsina State’ was established to promote the diversification of Nigeria’s economy which is also expected to increase investment in resource-based industries, backward integration, reduce importation of raw materials to a significant extent and save the Country the scarce foreign exchange.

The Director-General of the Council, Prof. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim who made this known during the commissioning ceremony in Minna, Niger State, stated that the RMRDC Resource and promotion Centre was cited in the state by the council to provide a platform for policy makers, investors, entrepreneurs, students, researchers and other stakeholders to access authentic and valuable information on local raw materials and products for research, planning and investment purposes.

The DG who was represented by Mrs Valerie Ehimiaghe, Head Investment and Consultancy Services Department, ICSD, said the Resource Center would provide audio visual guide to prospective investors, the raw materials endowment of the state whilst offering training modules for the processing of raw materials to promote investment in commodities of choice and efforts of the Council in the Nation’s industrial development.

The RMRDC Boss further explained that the Center was the second project to be commissioned by RMRDC in the state after the Rice cluster located in Kwakuti that was established through a joint collaboration between RMRDC, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and promoted by the Niger State Government.

The DG hinted that the Council is working towards commissioning the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and Cashew Nut processing projects at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, Niger State.

He said the Council is collaborating with the University on Shea butter value chain for export and domestic usage.

Speaking earlier, the Niger State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Mustapha Jibril said, the Resource Centre will boost the investment profile of Niger State thereby creating employment and better the economy of the State.

Dr. Jibril said, the Resource Centre is very important for the development of research into the commodities that the Nigeria is endowed with, noting that it is in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s diversification of economy from oil to non-oil agenda.

He acknowledged the efforts and support of the Director-General for establishing the Resource and Investment Promotion Centre in Niger State.

He also commended the Council for the establishment of Rice Processing Centre in Kwakuti and the collaborative effort between the RMRDC and IBB University on several projects.