The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji has said that the official launch of the Nigeria Raw Materials Information Management System (NRMIMS) will enhance the realization of full potentials of the country as well as encourage transparency and resource driven industrial growth and economic transformation.
According to Nnaji “Nigeria is rich in natural resources, yet challenges such as data gaps and poor integration hinder optimal utilization. The lack of accurate, accessible data on raw material reserves, quality and locations has led to inefficiencies, high import dependence and reduced investors’ confidence”.
The Minister said this at the Launching of the Nigeria Raw Materials Management Information System (NRMIMS) held at Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), today in Abuja.
He also said that the initiative marks a great milestone in harnessing Nigeria’s raw Materials for industrial growth, economic diversification and sustainable development which is key to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nnaji further stated that the initiative will directly contribute to job creation and industrialization, by strengthening local production and positioning Nigeria raw materials competitiveness in global industrial space.
To this end, the Minister said that the country is ready to build a data-driven economy, where local resources and innovation foster industrialization which will be a great roadmap to economic prosperity of our country.
He then, urged Government Agencies, Researchers, Private Sector players and Development partners to actively engage and contribute data for optimal utilization of the system’s impacts.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC) Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Munonso said that the Innovation developed by the Council serves as a key resource for Investors, Manufacturers, Researchers and Policy Makers by providing advanced tools that support Research Development as well as a user friendly portal for managing Raw materials data in the country.
He further said that the Council has tirelessly, championed Research Policy Advocacy and Developmental Initiatives to foster industrial growth through sustainable raw material utilization.
Atuora Obed O.
Director (Information and Public Relations)