The Honourable Minister Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has stressed the urgent need for intensified public sensitization and strategic stakeholder engagement to drive national development policies that require legislative support, particularly the 30 Percent Value-Addition Bill.
Dr. Udeh made this known during a one-day National Advocacy and Sensitization Conference organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister, who applauded the National Assembly for fast-tracking the passage of the bill, emphasized that deliberate efforts must now be made by experts, Agencies, and relevant stakeholders to secure presidential assent and ensure its full implementation for the overall benefit of Nigerians.
He noted that the bill aligns with Presidential Executive Order (5), explaining that it is not an isolated policy but one designed to retain value within Nigeria’s borders, stimulate domestic production processes, and create high-skill industrial jobs for the nation’s youth.
Delivering his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of FMIST, Mr. Phillip Ndiomu, described the event as his first official assignment since assuming duty at the ministry.
He noted that domesticating raw materials processing is fundamental to accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization and urged all stakeholders to work collectively to achieve this national mission.
Earlier in his address, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described the bill as a revolutionary policy that has the potential to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape and drive sustainable economic growth.
According to him, as Nigeria strives to diversify its economy and maximize its abundant natural resources, the 30 Percent Value-Addition Bill stands as a timely intervention capable of boosting local capacity, promoting technological innovation, and energizing industrial development.
Dr. Adepoju revealed that NASRDA is committed to deploying its advanced space-based capabilities to support the implementation of the bill.
He further explained that the Agency will provide critical data, monitoring tools, and evaluation insights needed to ensure effective tracking of the bill’s impact on the nation’s industrial sector.
In his welcome address, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, emphasized that Nigeria’s industrialization journey must begin with the strategic harnessing of its natural resources.
He explained that this objective can only be achieved through the establishment of clear legislative frameworks, hence the significance of the 30 Percent Value-Addition Bill.
Professor Ike-Muonso noted that the bill is anchored on two major pillars which are the export-constraints pillar and the import-prohibition pillar, both developed to open new frontiers for domestic processing, strengthen value retention, and deepen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The conference brought together policymakers, legislators, sector experts, and industry leaders, all united in their commitment to accelerating the bill’s approval and ensuring its transformative impact on Nigeria’s industrial and economic future.
Below are pictures from the event:
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Department of Media and Corporate Communications.
