The Federal Government, through the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has unveiled an advanced X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for local raw materials testing and analysis. The equipment is poised to strengthen the country’s raw materials sector, generate 5,000 jobs, and contribute ₦500 billion annually to government revenue.
The state-of-the-art spectrometer was launched by RMRDC Director General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, who described the acquisition as a significant milestone for the council’s mission to foster the development and efficient utilization of Nigeria’s raw materials.
"This equipment will enable us to precisely analyze the composition of raw materials, which is essential for their development and efficient utilization," Ike-Muonso stated during the unveiling ceremony.
The X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer is a handheld, non-destructive testing (NDT) tool that utilizes X-rays to excite atoms within a sample, causing them to emit characteristic X-rays. This process allows for the accurate and reliable analysis of various raw materials, a critical step in their effective development and application across industries.
According to a statement released by RMRDC, the acquisition aligns with the council’s long-term objective of reducing dependence on foreign laboratories while advancing local expertise.
Prof. Benard Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics and RMRDC Consultant on Raw Materials Sourcing and Data Analysis, praised the council’s initiative: “This equipment will reduce our dependence on foreign laboratories for raw materials testing and will contribute to the growth of our local economy.”
The council emphasized that the spectrometer will play a key role in job creation, boosting industrial activity and fostering economic growth. By enabling local laboratories to provide accurate testing results, Nigeria’s raw materials sector can position itself as a critical driver of development, reducing capital flight and strengthening domestic manufacturing processes.
The unveiling of the spectrometer reflects the government’s commitment to investing in innovative technologies that enhance industrial capacity, promote economic self-reliance, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Reference: https://punchng.com/fg-unveils-local-raw-materials-testing-equipment/
