RMRDC, stakeholders seek ban on export of raw mineral resources

THE Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and some other stakeholders in the industrial sector, rose from a meeting recently, calling on government to end the export of certain raw materials without value addition.In a communique issued at the end of the third RMRDC International Conference on Natural Resources Development and Utilisation, held in Abuja, the stakeholders particularly called for adoption of a policy, restraining exportation of most agricultural and solid mineral resources without value addition.They also want existing laws regarding the matter on hand strengthened in a value chain approach.The communiqu, which was signed by the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Peter Onwualu, noted: 'Nigeria should capitalise on its strategic location in Europe and America as compared to the Middle East and maximise the huge market in these regions for maximum returns on investment in the petroleum industry. The downstream sector should be fully developed for maximum benefits to SMEs.'Government should eliminate tariff irregularities and ambiguous import prohibition lists, as proper harmonisation of trade and industrial policies within the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) protocol will enable rapid implementation of such policies within the sub-region.'Noting that competitiveness involved the ability to innovate and effectively use technology, the group called on government to consciously develop a National Innovation System (NIS) to serve as a link between research efforts and application of research results to industries.
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