By Ifeoma Onyenokwe (Science & Tech Reporter, in Abuja)
The Federal Government is committed to dedicating 0.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to funding of Research and Innovation to quicken the technological advancement of the Nigeria.
This was made known on Tuesday by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji at the ongoing Technology Innovation Expo 2024 holding at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The Expo event is themed: “STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges”.
Chief Nnaji said that by allocating a specific percentage of the country’s income to Research and Development (R& D), the Government is proactively investing in the foundation of sustainable economic growth and development of Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized the commitment of the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration towards the promotion and application of the National Policy on Welding and Welding Related Fields approved by the Government in 2022 to strengthen the economy through its deployment and utilization in the oil and gas sector.
Nnaji also explained that in order to boost the manufacturing sector and improve the GDP of the country, National Center for Training in Welding and Welding Related Fields was established in the six Geopolitical Zones of the country for training, re-training, evaluation and certification of persons in the sector.
The Minister further said that the theme of this year’s Technology Expo ‘’STI Solution to National Economic Challenges’’, encapsulates the belief that integrating STI into our economic policy will enhance sustainable development through resilience and prosperous nation.
He further explained that prioritizing local content through the STI is key to unlocking sustainable potentials that propels nations and businesses to economic prosperity for industrial development and growth.
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma who spoke at the occassion, said nations, the world over, transform their economy through Science, Technology and Innovation.
The governor added that the country should deploy technology into the Agricultural sector to boost food security and alleviate poverty. He commended the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for its commitment in the STI sector and enjoined the Federal Government to extend STEM Education to Nursery Schools in order to ‘’catch them young’’.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, said earlier that the objective of the Techno Expo is to bring together, Innovators, Inventors, and Investors in order to ensure rapid technological advancement of Nigeria.
Nko-Asanye however stated that the STI apparatus will help in tackling the several security challenges faced by the nation in the past fourteen years since the October 1, 2010 mysterious bomb explosion near the Eagle Square, Abuja, during former President Goodluck Jonathan era. NNL.
