AfCFTA: Minster Tasks Manufacturers on Raw Material Development, Engagement to Prevent Sub-Standard Products

By Azeez Disu

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has urged manufacturers to constantly engage with stakeholders on standardization to prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for sub-standard raw materials and products as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) takes effect soon.

He disclosed this recently at the 8th Edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME Expo) and 9th Edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM Expo). The event was organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

He pointed out that “As the Country embarks on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), there is the need for consistent engagements amongst stakeholders in the raw materials and manufacturing value chain of the economy to avoid overbearing dumping of sub-standard raw materials and products on our shores from various sources across the world.”

He added that “Recently, I paid a working visit to the Technology and Innovation Centre of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). I was impressed with the work the Council has done to facilitate the Country’s economic diversification initiative and manufacturing contribution to GDP. The Centre provides a platform for technology adoption, adaptation and transfer for agricultural and mineral raw materials process technology in Nigeria. This is a testament to my Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development. The Centre offers a window for industrial/academic research as it relates to raw materials development and utilization in Nigeria. The Centre also serves as a one-stop process technology outlay that showcases equipment, processes, instrumentation, etc. that a potential investor or an entrepreneur could take up in areas of agricultural and minerals processing.”

“In line with this and with the strategic implementation of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5, my Ministry, through the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has commenced the process for the establishment and replication of the Centre across the six geo-political zones to allow for even development of resource-based industrialization and encourage local production of raw materials where Nigeria has the wherewithal and competitive advantage over and above other nations of the world. I urge industrialists and investors to replicate the process technologies showcased at the Centre at commercial scale for increased manufacturing activities, more so that their feasibility and viability as well as the capability of Nigerian engineers to design and fabricate process equipment have been demonstrated. Secondary and tertiary raw materials produced locally will reduce dependence on importation and conserve foreign exchange.”