Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has emphasized that Nigeria’s economic prosperity is closely tied to the effective utilization of its abundant human and material resources. He made this statement on Saturday following a public lecture at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
During the inaugural lecture titled “Raw Materials Education and Sustainable Development in Contemporary Nigeria,” Ike-Muonso warned that Nigeria could face an economic recession if it continues to underutilize its raw materials before exporting them. He explained that Africa’s underdevelopment is a result of the continent’s failure to process its raw materials locally, a situation rooted in historical factors such as the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and the exploitation of its resources.
The RMRDC DG highlighted the crucial role raw materials play in national development, noting their significance as essential inputs in production, their impact on product quality, and their potential to open new markets and improve trade balances. He stressed the need for Nigeria to focus on transforming raw materials into valuable industrial inputs as a means to stimulate economic growth.
“Research and development are key drivers of innovation and industrialization, which ultimately lead to economic growth and prosperity,” Ike-Muonso stated.
He also advocated for the integration of raw materials education into Nigeria’s national curriculum, emphasizing that such education is vital for adding value to resources, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening supply chains.
“Raw materials education is essential for sustainable development and economic diversification in Nigeria,” he added.
Under Ike-Muonso’s leadership, the RMRDC has been promoting raw materials education and development through research projects, the establishment of demonstration plants, training programs, and partnerships with academic and industrial sectors. He called on manufacturers to support this initiative, pointing out its potential to secure long-term resource availability, boost supply chain resilience, foster innovation, and promote corporate social responsibility and circular economy practices.
Citing President Bola Tinubu, he reiterated, “As President Tinubu said, ‘Africa’s natural resources are shaping the future,’ but we must add value to these resources to truly benefit.”
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, noted that despite Nigeria’s vast natural resource wealth, the nation faces challenges in harnessing these resources for economic growth. Speaking through a senior academic, he emphasized the need for collaboration between researchers, academia, industry, and the government to develop a competitive and sustainable industrial economy.
The Vice-Chancellor also affirmed that ESUT’s partnership with the RMRDC is timely and essential for reshaping Nigeria’s economic future. He expressed confidence in the university’s ability to contribute to national development through research in science and technology.
