The Raw Materials Research and Development Council and the Nigerian Defence Headquarters have partnered to boost food security and support national development through agricultural innovation.
According to a statement, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, described the collaboration as “a significant milestone” during a courtesy visit by a Defence Headquarters delegation to the Council in Abuja.
It stated that Brig. Gen. David Kurmi and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Lawan led the Defence delegation, as they expressed the military’s interest in improving the productivity of its farm projects.
The officers represented the Chief of Defence Staff and reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to leveraging agriculture for national security and logistics.
“We view this engagement not only as an opportunity to collaborate on the expansion and effective utilisation of the Defence Farms project but also as a gateway for broader areas of cooperation that support both national development and defence-related goals,” Nnanyelugo remarked.
He identified the Defence Farms project as a model for innovative agriculture and raw materials production.
Nnanyelugo noted that aligning it with the military’s operational needs would enhance food security within military formations and foster specialised crop production for defence purposes.
The RMRDC DG outlined other strategic areas for collaboration, including research and development of military-grade raw materials and fibres, and capacity building in agro-industrial technologies for military personnel.
Others include joint development of strategic reserves and supply chains for critical materials, establishment of innovation hubs and industrial parks focused on defence technologies and sustainable resource management in military-operated agricultural zones.
Facilitator of the meeting and representative of West African Mombat, Dr Ike Willie-Nwobu, described the partnership as “a bold and visionary stride” towards a self-reliant defence sector.
Willie-Nwobu added that it would “drive key national priorities including knowledge transfer, strengthened military-civilian relations, employment creation, and sustainable opportunities for veterans.”
Further, the leaders of the defence delegation reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the partnership, praising RMRDC’s technical expertise and proactive stance in raw materials development.
Meanwhile, directors of RMRDC also contributed implementation strategies and areas of synergy between the two institutions.
The Director of Planning, Statistics and Policy, Rachel Kotso, ended the meeting with a vote of thanks, applauded by the parties for their shared vision.
The parties noted plans to formalise their agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate innovations in agricultural production, strengthen military supply chains, and reinforce Nigeria’s food security framework.
