By Hillary Asemota
The Federal Government over the weekend said the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Technology and Innovation Complex aligns with the mandate of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation tasked with driving scientific research promoting technological advancements and fostering innovation across all sectors of our economy.
Speaking at the commission of the complex on Friday, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, erstwhile Minister of the Ministry who just stepped down out of office on Sunday admitted that the unveiling is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s towards industrialization and technological self-reliance.
It stands as a symbol of government’s dedication to harnessing our raw materials for economic prosperity and sustainable development, he added.
He said: “Today, witness the birth of an incubation centre that will foster innovation, nurture cutting edge technologies and accelerate the commercialization of projects that hold the key to our national industrial future.
“The RMRDC technology incubation complex willserve as a vibrant hub for collaboration as well as Research and Development (R/D) initiatives to propel Nigeria to a global player in technological advancement.
“The complex embodies our vision of creating a thriving ecosystem where research, innovation and entrepreneurship converge.
“It will act as a model and pilot plant development centre, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the pioneering research and development efforts of the RMRDC. These initiatives will inspire and guide other researchers, entrepreneurs and investors in translating innovative ideas into practical solutions.
“Moreover, the complex will catalyse private sector involvement in harnessing the potentials of our indigenous technologies for raw materials by showcasing the viability of these technologies, we aim to stimulate private sector investment in resourced based industries, creating employment opportunities and wealth as well as contributing to development and resilience.”
Mamora, said that in line with the nation’s commitment to knowledge driven development, the complex will serve as a centre for industrial and academic research on raw materialsdevelopments and utilizations in Nigeria by fostering collaboration among the academia researchers and industry experts.
According to him, this will deepen our understanding of our natural resources, optimize their utilization and spur innovation that addresses our nation’s specific challenges.
The former Minister said the complex will serve as a testing centre rigorously evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of model and pilot projects. This ensures wise resource allocation, focusing on initiatives that demonstrate scientific excellence and strong market potential.
Through this rigorous evaluation process, we will shape our industrial landscape, promote sustainable development and economic prosperity, he added.
“This complex serves as a tangible manifestation of our commitment by providing the necessary infrastructure and support to accelerate research, innovation and technology transfer to Nigeria.
“At this juncture, I would like to highlight some notable breakthroughs in RMRDC (R/D) that have the potential to revolutionalise key industries in our country.
“For instance, Nigeria currently spends N20 billion annually on the importation of titanium dioxide used in the paint (NCS 2019).
“The Council has developed a 10 ton/day capacity gas suspended calciner that produces calcined kaolin as a partial alternative raw material for titanium dioxide in paint formulation. This technology already patented is being popularized and commercialized.” He said.
According to him, investor has expressed interest in utilizing the calcined kaolin as extender in cement production and soap making industries thereby contributing to our economic growth.
“Our importation of caustic soda and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) continues to burden our economy. In 2015 alone 219,391 metric tonnes MT of caustic soda was imported at a cost of N404,307, 000 and 329,938 MT PCC valued at N1,927725,300 was imported (NCS 2016). These high costs not only strain the economy but also increased the demand for foreign currency.
“To address this, we must explore local production and reduce our dependence on imports, consequently the RMRDC has set up a caustic soda and PCC pilot plant.
“The copper sulphate requirement is mostly met through importation despite its wide applications across various industries. Copper sulphate is widely used in the building industry, schools as laboratory reagent in the agricultural sector for agricultural production in the country. In view of the high level of building going in the country, Nigeria expends more than N7billion to import wood preservatives for use in the building and construction industry in 2018 (NCS).
“Chromated copper arsenate preservatives can easily be compounded locally if the major ingredients, most especially, copper sulphate is available.
“In view of this the Raw Materials Research Development Council established a copper sulphate pilot plant.” He added.
Mamora, said these and other pilot plants were strategically chosen to save and generate revenue for Nigeria while creating job opportunities and wealth for our youths. The RMRDC Technology and innovation Complex will be instrumental in driving these initiatives, adding that the pilot products are already attracting the interest of industrialists and MSMEs for investment, adoption and replication with the attendant job creation, local content development in manufacturing promotion and increased GDP.
“Today’s commissioning marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our nation’s scientific and technological advancement.
“Let us seize this opportunity to collaborate, innovate and create a future that harnesses the full potential of our raw materials. Together, we will build a self-reliant and prosperous Nigeria that leads in global technological innovation.
“May this auspicious occasion herald a new era of scientific excellence, industrial transformation and national prosperity.” He said.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, said the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, should be profoundly appreciated for his unwavering support and guidance, adding that he championed the cause of Science, Technology and Innovation in the country.
She said: “Your visionary leadership and commitment to driving industrialization and building a knowledge-based economy have been instrumental in making this Complex a reality.