RMRDC Plans 1.2M Jobs with Raw Materials Value Addition

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) announced that its proposed mandatory 30% value addition on Nigerian raw materials before export could generate over 1.2 million skilled jobs within five years. Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director-General of RMRDC, made this disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, ahead of the 2nd Africa Raw Materials Summit (ARMS 2026) scheduled for October 19 and 20.

The Raw Materials 30% Mandatory Value Addition Bill, awaiting presidential assent, aims to transition Nigeria from exporting unprocessed commodities to domestic processing and manufacturing. The legislation is expected to conserve foreign exchange, strengthen foreign reserves, and enhance manufacturing's contribution to the economy.

The summit will host over 1,800 delegates from all 54 African countries and global industrial partners, focusing on addressing structural barriers that hinder local manufacturing. Key topics include logistics, infrastructure, and technology commercialization, with the goal of establishing reliable supply corridors for local industries.