Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has revealed that Nigeria spent over N3.53 trillion importing raw materials in the first half of 2025 alone, warning that such reliance continues to undermine the national economy.

Speaking at the 37th Annual General Meeting, Awards & Gala Night of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)—Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu Zone—held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Ike-Muonso emphasised the economic advantages of backward integration and local sourcing for the manufacturing sector.

He further noted that the proposed 30% Value Addition Bill, requiring minimum local value addition before export, would be transformational if enacted. He outlined the bill’s potential to expand GDP, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, save foreign exchange by retaining more raw-material wealth within the country, boost local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a regional industrial hub.

During the AGM, the MD/CEO of John Zobis Group, Mr. John Ezeobi, was recognised with the “Pillar of Industrial Enterprise and National Impact” award in acknowledgement of his contributions to local sourcing, innovation, and the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The latest honour comes less than a month after Ezeobi was named The Sun’s Industrialist of the Year 2025 by the Management of The Sun Newspaper, further highlighting his growing reputation within South-East manufacturing circles.

The award celebrates Ezeobi’s sustained investments in backward integration, his drive for local raw material sourcing, and his efforts to strengthen domestic value chains—contributions described by MAN as vital for reducing import dependence and creating jobs.

Chaired by Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), the well-attended event—“Exploring Opportunities for Backward Integration and Local Sourcing of Raw Materials for the Manufacturing Sector”—brought together regulators, policymakers, manufacturers, and industry leaders, featuring presentations, panel sessions, and cultural displays.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, supported the call for stronger industry-academia partnerships and urged financial institutions to offer affordable credit to manufacturers committed to backward integration.

Represented by his deputy, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, he described it as a critical path for moving Nigeria beyond basic resource exports to higher-value industrial output.

After receiving the award, Ezeobi voiced gratitude for the honour, calling it strong motivation to further champion local production, reduce import reliance and reinforce Nigeria’s industrial base. Receiving the plaque from Nollywood legend Barr Kenneth Okonkwo, Ezeobi said the AGM marked a renewed push for backward integration as the key to sustainable industrial growth.

“The event highlighted the critical importance of backward integration and local sourcing of raw materials as strategic levers for strengthening domestic production, reducing import dependency, and building resilient, self-sustaining industries. A meaningful platform for driving progress and collaboration across Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” he stated.

Dr. Adaora Chukwudozie, MAN Chair for Anambra-Ebonyi-Enugu, described local sourcing as pragmatic for cutting costs and stabilising supply chains, welcoming the RMRDC’s roadmap and inviting state governments to help create raw-material corridors and shared processing centres to bring supplies closer to manufacturers.

The gathering, honoured by His Eminence, Eze Eberechukwu Orji (Eze Aro), also featured dignitaries including Senator Osita Izunaso, Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Osi, Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora, Mr. Linus Williams Ifejika, Otumba Francis Meshioye (National President, MAN), Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Chief Dr. Dan Chukwudozie, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, and Anambra Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu. (The Sun)