RMRDC Diplomatic Dialogue: Launches 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2025-2034).

By Ahmed Musa

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) on Tuesday hosted top diplomats, development partners, and representatives of the African Development Bank in Abuja for a high-level dialogue on its newly launched 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2025–2034), aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s raw materials sector for global competitiveness.

The event, held at the Council’s Events Centre, brought together stakeholders from across the diplomatic community to explore opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, investment, research, data development, and sustainable industrial growth.

The Roadmap Targets 30% Value Addition, Import Reduction.

According to Dr. Oluremi, RMRDC Deputy Director, Local and International Collaboration Division, in her reports, the Dialogue, ‘Reflects the growing International Interest in Nigeria’s Industrial Future’ .

Earlier, In the overview presentation, Dr. K. B. Ajoku disclosed that the roadmap seeks to address long-standing bottlenecks in Nigeria’s raw materials ecosystem, including weak value chains, inadequate infrastructure, and policy inconsistencies.

He emphasised that the strategy aims to achieve at least 30% value addition to raw materials before export by 2034, a move expected to significantly boost GDP growth and reduce dependence on imported industrial inputs.

Ajoku stressed that Nigeria must depart from the old model of exporting unprocessed materials and instead embrace a value-driven, innovation-led approach aligned with global sustainability standards.

The interactive session saw diplomats raise critical concerns affecting continental trade and international research partnerships.

A representative of the Liberian Embassy lamented Africa’s fragmented standards regime, which he said depresses export prices and restricts global market access. Responding, Dr. Ajoku confirmed ongoing ECOWAS-wide harmonisation efforts and noted that a regional certification mark now recognised under the AfCFTA is already easing cross-border trade.

Another major discussion came from the Indonesian Embassy, whose representative shared that a bilateral biodiversity research agreement between Nigeria and Indonesia collapsed over disputes regarding language, governing law, and intellectual property rights.

Ajoku clarified that while RMRDC was not directly involved, international agreements typically adopt English to ensure clarity. He noted that research outputs could have commercial value, hence the need for clearly defined IPR terms. He recommended deeper diplomatic engagement, technical consultations, and a balanced “win-win” framework.

The Indonesian diplomat, however, insisted that his country’s constitution legally requires bilingual agreements—English and Indonesian—when signed within Indonesia.

The session ended with a consensus that both nations must reconcile national laws with global best practices to advance research partnerships.

Mr. Emma Evbodoghe highlighted benefits diplomatic partners stand to gain through the roadmap’s four pillars: an integrated raw materials databank, value addition programmes, capacity building, and international collaborations.

He proposed joint research centres, innovation hubs, open data access, technology partnerships, and quarterly stakeholder forums as key avenues through which international partners can plug into Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Planning, Policy and Development Department stated that the roadmap represents a transformative shift towards sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness. She called for strong partnerships to build robust data systems, improve local content, and attract foreign investment.

The Director-General/CEO of RMRDC, in his opening remarks, reiterated the Council’s commitment to working with the diplomatic community to unlock Nigeria’s raw materials wealth and drive inclusive prosperity.

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Director, Local and International Collaboration Division, expressed gratitude to all diplomatic missions and partners for their engagement. She affirmed that the Council will share all presentations and continue interfacing with stakeholders to build actionable partnerships.

The dialogue, she said, reflects the growing international interest in Nigeria’s industrial future
and reinforces the Council’s resolve to implement the roadmap collaboratively for national development.