Project Overview
In alignment with the Council’s mandate to promote industrial research, innovation, and technological development, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), through its Special Digital Automation Unit (SDAU), developed and deployed the RMRDC AI Research Assistant, an intelligent web-based application trained on Nigeria’s raw materials research data.
The system enables users to interact with RMRDC’s research repository using natural language (including Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo), delivering structured responses in text, tables, charts, and maps. Phase 1 has been successfully completed, providing users with insights into raw material locations, research publications, and industrial data, and allowing structured queries and retrieval of RMRDC’s research outputs.
This initial phase has:
Enhanced accessibility and usability of Nigeria’s raw materials data for research, policy, and industry stakeholders.
Boosted visibility of RMRDC publications and strengthened evidence-based decision-making.
Positioned RMRDC as a leader in AI-driven research and digital transformation.
The project supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to coordinate, alongside the private sector, efforts to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in Nigeria. It contributes to national efforts to establish Nigeria as a leading technology and innovation hub, driving industrial growth, economic diversification, and technological competitiveness.
Objectives:
Train an AI model on Nigeria’s raw materials research data for intelligent query handling.
Provide a natural language interface for non-technical access to information.
Present research results in multiple formats: tables, charts, maps, and text summaries.
Strengthen RMRDC’s role as a knowledge hub supporting industry, academia, and policymakers.
Enable value chain analysis, industrial planning, and investment insights.
Ensure secure, efficient, and reliable access to research information for evidence-based decision-making.
Phase 1 Features (Completed):
Raw materials location insight and mapping.
Access to RMRDC research publications and statistics.
Intelligent query processing in natural language with outputs in text, tables, charts, or maps.
Optimized retrieval of relevant data from RMRDC’s research repository.
Multi-format data presentation for easy interpretation and reporting.
Secure read-only access with input validation and safe output rendering.
Next Phase Enhancements (Ongoing):
Improved technical writing and research validation for higher-quality outputs.
Value chain linkage and raw material-to-factory visualization.
Process technology analysis to guide optimal industrial practices.
Factory and industry placement guidance for strategic industrial development.
Investment advice to support entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Real-time market analysis for raw materials supply, demand, and pricing trends.
Expanded interactive data visualization tools, dashboards, and analytical functionalities.
Impact:
Democratizes access to Nigeria’s raw materials knowledge for researchers, industry, and policymakers.
Supports evidence-based industrial planning and policy formulation.
Enhances visibility and utilization of RMRDC research outputs.
Strengthens Nigeria’s position in AI-driven research and digital transformation.
Facilitates industrial investment, process optimization, and value chain development.
Implementation Timeline: January – October 2025 (Phase 1 completed; next-phase features ongoing)
Location: RMRDC Headquarters, Abuja
Status: Phase 1 completed; next-phase enhancements in progress
