FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – In a major move to industrialize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA), hosted a landmark Investors’ Forum.
The event, centered on the Rice Value Chain Development, aimed to transition Ebonyi State from a legacy rice producer into a high tech industrial hub, focusing on value addition and the conversion of agricultural waste into economic wealth.
The Director General of the RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, opened the forum by highlighting a “structural paradox” in Nigeria’s economy. Despite vast arable land, Nigeria remains a top rice importer, with domestic production falling to 5.23 million metric tons in 2025. No country attains greatness by exporting its wealth in its raw form,” Prof. Ike-Muonso stated.
He emphasized a proposed 30% value addition package, urging a shift from “field to factory” to ensure Nigeria captures the full economic value of its commodities.
Addressing concerns regarding the investment climate, Chief Elechi N. Elechi, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment and Chairman of the occasion, noted that the essence of the forum was to expose hidden opportunities in the rice value chain.
Speaking at the event, DG of EBSMEDA, Dr. Stephen I. Odo, provided assurances to potential investors.
Dr. Odo boldly declared Ebonyi as “one of the safest states in the country,” noting that Governor Nwifuru’s administration has overhauled revenue laws to eliminate “touting” through digital tax administration, highlighting that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment to protect private interests
A key highlight of the forum was the focus on rice derivatives. Mrs. Nnanna Mgbafor, State Coordinator of the RMRDC, explained that the program aims to show farmers and investors how to utilize every part of the rice plant.
From rice husks to bran, the forum showcased modern processing technologies capable of turning bypass products into industrial raw materials.
The forum integrated financial institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI) to educate farmers and investors on accessing single digit interest loans to fund expansion.
By bringing the BOI to the table, the forum provided farmers with a roadmap to access single digit interest rate facilities necessary for expanding production and processing capacity.
The forum concluded with a call to action for stakeholders, farmers, researchers, and financiers to collaborate.
By integrating information technology and mechanization, the organizers hope to signal to Nigerian youth that agriculture is a space for “creativity and prosperity,” ultimately securing a sustainable industrial future for Ebonyi State and the nation at large.
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
