Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the Federal Government to focus on value addition to Nigeria's vast raw materials to accelerate economic growth.
Speaking in Umuahia while hosting a delegation from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), led by its Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, Governor Otti emphasized the need for processing agricultural and mineral resources for maximum benefits.
"We must begin to add value to every product, whether agricultural or mineral. Our mineral potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of deliberate action," Otti stated.
He highlighted Abia's wealth in cash crops like cassava, cashew, cocoa, and rubber, stressing that efficient utilization could drive industrialization and reduce dependence on oil.
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Commending the RMRDC's role in fostering manufacturing and SME growth, Otti pledged land allocation for the Council's operational office in Abia.
Prof. Ike-Muonso lauded Otti's leadership, noting that he is the first governor to engage in such strategic discussions.
He also invited Otti to the maiden Africa Raw Materials Summit in May, which will host delegates from 72 countries to advance Africa's raw materials markets and processing technologies.
