The director-general of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso has pledged to transform Nigeria’s research, technology, and innovation sectors to position the country as a leader in industrial resilience across Africa.
Speaking during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office as the sixth director-general of RMRDC, Ike-Muonso outlined his strategic vision for the council and the country’s raw materials sector.
Upon taking office, Ike-Muonso identified five critical deliverables aimed at elevating the RMRDC to a world-class research organization that drives innovation and contributes to national prosperity. He disclosed that the council has already made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate.
One of his first actions was to implement a strategic goal-setting initiative for the council’s staff. This process involved defining clear objectives and targets to ensure that the RMRDC’s work is aligned with the country’s broader economic and industrial goals. The strategic tasks include:
1. Nationwide Raw Materials and Data Collection: The RMRDC has initiated a comprehensive data collection exercise focused on gathering technical and investment information related to raw materials. This initiative is designed to support research efforts, expand supply chains, attract sustainable investments and foster partnerships that will drive the council’s mission forward.
2. Restructuring and Renaming the Technology Innovation Complex:The former Technology Innovation Complex (TIC) at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja has been restructured and renamed as the Research and Demonstration Plants Complex (RDPC). This change reflects the council’s renewed focus on practical, market-driven research.
3. Reactivation of the Council Journal: The RMRDC journal has been reactivated and repositioned internationally, providing a platform for sharing research findings and innovations with a global audience.
4. Collaboration with Universities:The council is collaborating with universities and academic institutions to strengthen its capacity for conducting market-guided research. This partnership ensures sustained workforce training and a deeper orientation toward science and technology.
5. Reformulation of Research Proposals: The RMRDC has introduced a new template for research proposals, moving away from the previous culture of open-ended research. The new approach focuses on producing research outcomes that are readily acceptable by the market and easily commercialisable.
To enhance the council’s productivity and operational efficiency, Ike-Muonso announced several ambitious targets. These include the redesign of the council’s organisational structure, the implementation of a robust and automated performance management system (PMS) and the deployment of an enterprise resources planning (ERP) system. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades and enhanced computerisation efforts are underway to support the council’s goals.
The director-general highlighted recent infrastructure upgrades, noting that the council has completed the procurement process for laptops for all directors and deputy directors, as well as 500 desktops for distribution across the council. He also addressed the issue of unpaid salaries and announced the establishment of comprehensive welfare programs for staff.
Ike-Muonso emphasised the importance of openness, inclusiveness, and performance management in the council’s operations. To improve staff ownership, boost corporate visibility, and enhance productivity, the RMRDC is upgrading its media infrastructure. This includes the launch of the RMRDC online media platform, RMRDC TV Online and the ‘Raw Material 360°’ online newspaper, alongside a fortnightly Zoom webinar series. These initiatives will enable the council to communicate its progress and initiatives more effectively to the public.
In addition to these efforts, Ike-Muonso stressed the importance of deepening the international presence of the RMRDC. This is essential for enhancing competitiveness, accessing funding, building capacity, and promoting sustainable development. The council is also working to expand its intellectual property and patent portfolio from 40 to approximately 200 new patents within the next 24 months.
Ike-Muonso announced the launch of an e-registration and certification portal aimed at enhancing transparency in the raw materials sector. This digital platform will facilitate the formal registration of raw materials dealers, including importers, exporters, testing centers, and laboratories, further contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.
