The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has hosted another edition of its lecture series, focusing on lessons Nigeria can learn from Brazil, India, and South Africa in developing its raw materials sector.
Held in Abuja on October 22, the lecture featured public finance expert Kazeem Adewale Oyewole, Assistant Director at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. He compared the policy approaches of the three countries, highlighting models that balance innovation, sustainability, and strong local participation.
Mr Oyewole said Brazil’s experience shows the value of environmental and social safeguards in agricultural transformation. At the same time, India’s enforcement-driven model demonstrates how firm policies and partnerships can accelerate industrial growth. He also pointed to South Africa’s Mining Charter as a framework for boosting local content and skills development in resource-based industries.
He praised the ongoing RMRDC amendment bill mandating 30 per cent value addition before export, calling it “a step in the right direction”, but urged coordinated implementation.
RMRDC Director-General Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso said the lecture underscored the importance of learning from global experiences to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity and drive sustainable development.
