By Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the Raw Materials Information Management System (RMMIS) and the Raw Materials e-Registration Portal (RMe-regP), a platform aimed at attracting both local and foreign investors, potentially leading to an investment of about $30 billion over the next decade.

Speaking at the official unveiling of platforms  in Abuja, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, emphasized that the initiative will build a data-driven economy, where local resources fuel industrialization, innovation thrives, and sustainability forms the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

According to the Minister, this platform will provide manufacturers with reliable data for local sourcing, reduce reliance on imports, and boost domestic production. It will also attract investors, potentially bringing in $30 billion in investments over the next decade through efficient resource management. Finally, it will strengthen research and development, helping scientists and industrialists explore new product innovations and optimize material use.

“Policymakers will gain access to empirical data to create targeted policies that promote resource efficiency and sustainable extraction. If properly aligned with national industrial policies, this initiative could increase semi-processed mineral exports to $9 billion by 2030,” the Minister said.

“With accurate data, the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors can maximize raw material use, fostering job creation and boosting investments by $20 billion in the next decade. This will conserve foreign exchange reserves, potentially saving $10 billion annually while strengthening the naira.”

He added, “Today, we do not just launch a digital tool; we usher in an era of transparency, efficiency, and resource-driven industrial growth. Together, we will build a data-driven economy where local resources fuel industrialization, innovation flourishes, and sustainability becomes the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity.”

In his keynote address, the Nigerian Minister of State for Trade and Investment, John Enoh, stated that his ministry would provide all necessary support to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to achieve a 30% value addition for improved economic growth. He also highlighted that Nigeria is losing substantial amounts of money due to the underdevelopment of the raw materials sector.

Earlier, the Director General of RMRDC, Martin Ike-Muonso, explained that the RMMIS is an innovation developed by the RMRDC with support from key stakeholders. He described it as a user-friendly portal for managing raw materials data.

“This innovation aims to serve as a key resource for investors, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers by providing advanced tools that support research and development. It is a robust, technology-driven platform designed to enhance data-driven decision-making, facilitate research and development, optimize resource allocation, drive industry development, support policy and regulatory frameworks, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.”

The RMMIS covers critical and strategic raw materials, including agricultural products, solid minerals, and secondary raw materials.

“The RMMIS is a strategic tool that will enhance the outcomes of the Made in Addition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit, which will be hosted by the RMRDC from May 20 to 22, 2025. It will provide accurate and reliable data, foster collaboration and networking, and enable informed decisions.

“By leveraging this system, the summit can achieve more effective planning, execution, and follow-up, ultimately leading to increased impact and more sustainable outcomes in raw materials development, particularly in advancing an integrated raw materials market for Africa.”

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