At a recent National Consultative Committee on Competitiveness (NCCC) Technical Workshop/Conference hosted by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology underscored the critical need for advancing raw materials into high-quality products. He described this as both a necessity and a strategic imperative for national growth and global competitiveness.
The Minister highlighted that the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development, crafted by RMRDC under his ministry, aims to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness. This strategy, with its Implementation Plan, focuses on several key areas: investing in innovation and technology, improving infrastructure, developing data management practices, industrialization, advocacy for competitiveness, updating legal and policy frameworks, strengthening institutional and organizational capacities, and advancing human capital development.
The strategy seeks to reduce reliance on imported raw materials and products by fostering local production capabilities. Key benefits outlined include the creation of 4.4 million jobs, increased local content in manufacturing, enhanced global acceptance of Nigerian products and services, improved foreign exchange earnings and reserves, and the promotion of a demand-driven scientific industrial culture. Additionally, the strategy aims to strengthen industry-research alliances, produce market-ready graduates, and contribute to economic diversification.
Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, Director-General/CEO of RMRDC, noted that the National Strategy for Competitiveness was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on May 17, 2017. Following its approval, the NCCC was established and inaugurated to oversee the strategy’s implementation. Prof. Ike-Muonso emphasized that this home-grown strategy, centered on innovation, science, and technology, represents a transformative approach to national development. It promises to cut down on imports, foster research-industry partnerships, enhance industry-focused research and development, and produce high-quality raw materials and products, ultimately elevating Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
