Nigerian Officials Urge Tinubu Re-election to Drive Industrialization
Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso and other officials argue that President Bola Tinubu's re-election is essential to transition Nigeria from a raw material exporter to a manufacturing powerhouse.
Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso stated that the re-election of President Bola Tinubu is essential to consolidate Nigeria's industrial transformation. Speaking at the second Africa Raw Materials Summit 2026 in Abuja, Ike-Muonso argued that continuity is necessary to ensure policy predictability and complete the transition from a feedstock exporter to an industrial power.
He specifically cited the need for sustained implementation of heavy manufacturing and battery-refining projects. To support these goals, officials are pushing for the passage of the Raw Materials Value Addition Bill, which would mandate that at least 30 per cent of primary processing occurs domestically before resources are exported.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment John Enoh also advocated for the bill to help Nigeria capture more value from its natural resources. The summit further emphasized the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in expanding intra-African trade and called on development partners to increase investments in processing infrastructure across the continent.
