Soap Noodles: Nigeria Can Save N17bn Using Palm, Coconut Oil, Others — RMRDC
“In 2022, Nigeria imported 35,811 metric tonnes of soap noodles, costing around N17 billion. The Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) aims to reduce these imports by encouraging domestic production. Soap noodles, made by saponifying vegetable oils or animal fats, are essential for soap manufacturing. The global soap noodles market is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2025, growing at a 3.9% CAGR from 2018-2025. RMRDC’s DG, Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, highlighted efforts to improve oilseed production and utilize non-edible seeds to support food security and industrial applications, positioning Nigeria as a significant oilseed producer in West Africa.
Source: Daily Trust
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According to the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Nigeria imported 35,811 metric tonnes of soap noodles in 2022, totaling about N17 billion. Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, the council’s DG, noted that the global soap noodles market is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2025, with a 3.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018-2025. To save the nation over N17bn annually, RMRDC aims to boost domestic soap noodles production.
Soap noodles are created by saponifying vegetable oils like coconut and palm oil, or animal fats. These noodle-shaped products, made from sodium hydroxide and palm-based fatty acids, are essential for soap manufacturers. By adding specific flavors, fragrances, and pigments, manufacturers differentiate their products, which are then molded, stamped, and packaged.
Professor Ibrahim pointed out that the lack of local technology is the main reason for Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports. To counter this, the RMRDC promotes the production of improved oilseeds like palm nut, groundnut, sunflower, and soybean. This initiative supports food security by focusing on non-edible seeds for industrial use, boosting local oilseed production and establishing Nigeria as a significant player in West African oilseed production.”
