Raw Materials Research & Development Council Act Will Drastically Reduce Crime-Says Prof. Ndubuaku
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) In support of a Bill seeking to amend the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Act 2022, the Executive Secretary/CEO Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, (ASURI), Prof. Theophilus Ndubuakui lauded the Director – General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council , Professor Nnanyelugo Ike Muonsoof for spearheading the advocacy for value addition and commended the National Assembly for its commitment to the bill.
Ndubuaku said the amended act curb insecurity in the nation, which is largely tied to unemployment, saying that If people are engaged and earning a decent living, crimes like banditry and other social vices will drastically reduce.
Prof. Ndubuaku made the call in a chat with journalists shortly after the public hearing on a Bill seeking to amend the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Act 2022, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
He emphasized that the implementation of the 30% value addition policy would compel foreign investors to establish processing plants in Nigeria, creating jobs and boosting industrial capacity.
“This initiative will not only create jobs but will also tackle the root causes of insecurity, which are largely tied to unemployment. If people are engaged and earning a decent living, crimes like banditry and other social vices will drastically reduce,” he said.
Prof. Ndubuaku called on stakeholders to support the bill and urged the government to ensure its speedy passage and implementation, describing it as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial revolution.
“This is a landmark policy that could change the trajectory of our economy. We must seize this opportunity to rewrite the narrative of our nation’s development,” he concluded.
However, speaking at the public hearing, the Director-General of the RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, applauded the broad support for the bill, noting that its passage would halt the trend of exporting jobs and wealth to foreign countries.
“Today (Wednesday) is my happiest day with the 100% support for the amendment bill received from various stakeholders. This bill will reposition Nigeria’s economy by ensuring raw materials are processed locally before exportation, creating wealth and employment for our people,” he said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Iya Abbas, commended the stakeholders for their unanimous backing and assured that the committee would expedite the submission of its report to the Senate for final consideration and passage.
Core Reporters report that If passed into law, the amendment is expected to bolster Nigeria’s industrialization agenda, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the nation’s economy through local content development.
