The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the Nigeria Raw Materials Management Information System (RMMIS), a digital platform aimed at enhancing industrialisation, attracting investment, and optimising raw material resources across the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), is expected to generate $30 billion in investments over the next decade through efficient resource management.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, described the RMMIS as a national digital repository that provides real-time, accurate, and accessible data on Nigeria’s raw materials. He emphasised that the platform would help manufacturers source reliable local inputs, thereby reducing import dependence, boosting domestic production, and increasing investor confidence.
Nnaji further noted that the lack of comprehensive data on raw materials has hindered industrial growth, resulting in high import dependence and low investor confidence. He stated that with the RMMIS, policymakers would have empirical data for decision-making, which could lead to an increase in semi-processed mineral exports to $9 billion by 2030. Additionally, the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors could maximise raw material use, fostering job creation and boosting investments by $20 billion over the next decade.
Moreover, the platform is expected to conserve foreign exchange reserves, potentially saving Nigeria $10 billion annually, while also strengthening the naira.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Enoh, highlighted the critical role of data in economic development. He pointed out that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector operates at only 5% capacity, largely due to challenges in sourcing raw materials. He added that over 70% of agricultural inputs are imported, a situation the RMMIS aims to address.
Enoh stressed that the effective utilisation of the platform would be crucial in transitioning Nigeria from raw material exports to local value addition. He cited global examples, noting that the European Union has implemented similar systems to integrate data, foster innovation, and attract investment.
The Director-General of the RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Munonso, described the RMMIS as a groundbreaking initiative, stating that it would enhance data-driven decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and drive industry development. He revealed that the system, developed with input from key stakeholders, aligns with the RMRDC’s 10-year roadmap and contains over 17,000 data points on raw materials across Nigeria.
The platform is expected to strengthen research and development, improve supply chain planning, and attract further investment into Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
In his closing remarks, Ike-Munonso called for collaboration among government agencies, industries, and development partners to ensure the success of the initiative. He emphasised that the launch of RMMIS marks a new era of transparency, efficiency, and industrial growth, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential.
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