RMRDC Expands ISO-Certified Laboratory Services to Boost Gold Value Addition and Certified Mineral Exports

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has approved the expansion of the Council's ISO-certified laboratory services at the Research and Development Pilot Complex (RDPC) to support value addition, testing, certification, and traceability of gold and other precious minerals in Nigeria.

The development emerged from a strategic meeting between RMRDC and Kings Empire and Web Limited at the Council's headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the engagement, KEW Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, David Enabulu, disclosed plans to position Nigeria as a major supplier of government-certified gold to the international market.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at discouraging illegal gold exports while promoting traceability, transparency, and value addition within Nigeria's solid minerals sector.

Enabulu revealed that KEW Limited is collaborating with members of the London Bullion Market Association to facilitate the export of verifiable and internationally acceptable Nigerian gold products. He further disclosed that Fidelity Bank Plc has agreed to serve as the financial partner for international gold trade transactions under the initiative.

He noted that global buyers increasingly demand government-certified and laboratory-tested precious metals, stressing that the partnership would significantly improve investor confidence in Nigeria's mineral export industry.

Responding, Professor Ike-Muonso described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria's efforts to deepen mineral beneficiation and increase local value addition before export.

"This meeting marks a significant turning point in the nation's gold exploration and value-addition drive. It demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to developing government-approved infrastructure that supports international standards and sustainable industrial growth," he stated.

The RMRDC boss further explained that the expanded laboratory services will not only certify gold but also provide testing and verification services for other precious minerals, thereby strengthening Nigeria's competitiveness in the global minerals market.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would attract foreign investment, enhance transparency in mineral exports, and create greater economic opportunities within Nigeria's mining and industrial sectors.

Industry stakeholders have described the collaboration as an important step toward establishing a framework for government-verified and internationally certified mineral exports capable of meeting global market standards.

The discussions between RMRDC and KEW Limited are expected to pave the way for future partnerships aimed at transforming Nigeria from a raw mineral exporter into a value-added processing hub.