Business

FG Launches Raw Materials Information Management System and RMe-regP to Drive Economic Growth and Prosperity

Published

2 weeks ago

February 11, 2025

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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Business

AUDA-NEPAD Disburses N600m Grant To Smallholder Farmers in 7 States

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development ,AUDA-NEPAD, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, has announced that the agency will disburse N600 million to seven pilot states to support smallholder farmers across Nigeria in 2025.

This initiative aims to enhance agricultural activities, address poverty, low productivity, and resource limitations in the sector.

The pilot states include Bauchi, Cross River, Osun, Yobe, Abia, and Imo.He made this announcement during a one-day roundtable meeting of state Commissioners for Agriculture/State Coordinators with the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer at the maiden stakeholders meeting for the Smallholder Farmers Programme yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, this is a direct grant from AUDA-NEPAD to support the efforts of smallholder farmers.

He stated: “The total amount being disbursed to the seven pilot states is N600 million, which will be shared equally among the states. States that show additional interest can provide up to N3 billion, depending on the number of smallholder farmers.

“At AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, we recognize that smallholder farmers are at the core of our nation’s agricultural sector. Their resilience drives food production, sustains rural economies, and significantly contributes to our GDP.”

However, persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and market constraints continue to hinder their full potential. This initiative was created to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that smallholder farmers not only survive but thrive.

“Our commitment to agricultural transformation across Africa is unwavering. Through this support, the initiative is backed by a substantial grant, reinforcing the shared vision of a food-secure, economically vibrant, and resilient Nigeria.

“Let me be clear, this is not merely funding; it is an investment in our farmers and our future. Strict monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure that every aspect of the initiative is effectively implemented, with full accountability and transparency. The funds must translate into real, measurable impacts, increased productivity, improved livelihoods, and a stronger agricultural value chain.

“The Smallholder Farmers Initiative aims to create a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem by: providing access to finance and credit for smallholder farmers; developing rural infrastructure, including storage and irrigation facilities; promoting climate-smart agricultural sustainability for the long term; creating direct market linkages to improve farmers’ incomes; and integrating technology and digital solutions for efficient farming.

“This initiative aligns with Agenda 2063 of the African Union and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that smallholder farmers are not left behind but are empowered as key players in national development”.He also emphasized that AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria is fully committed to ensuring that the funding provided results in tangible outcomes.

“The expectations are high, and so is our resolve. Our goal is clear: to transform agriculture into a thriving, competitive, and resilient sector. Together, we can empower millions of Nigerian farmers, ensuring that this initiative creates lasting economic and social impact”.

In her opening remarks, the Assistant Director for Programme Development and Implementation at AUDA-NEPAD, Hajia Fatimah Abubakar , provided an overview of the Smallholder Farmers Programme in the selected states across Nigeria.

She explained that the pilot states were carefully selected based on agricultural potential, needs, and alignment with national and AUDA-NEPAD agricultural priorities, with a focus on food security.

She stated that the programme reflects the agency’s unwavering commitment to support the agricultural sector and empower the hardworking men and women who form its foundation the smallholder farmers.

“The Smallholder Farmers Programme is more than just a grant. It is a partnership between us, the selected state governments, and AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, and most importantly, the hardworking smallholder farmers who are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy. By investing in them, we are investing in a more prosperous, food-secure future for Nigeria”.

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