The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi has said that Nigeria in her bid to transit from a resource-based to knowledge-based economy driven by Innovation, is germane for competitive economy and attainment of sustainable development.
Abdullahi said this at the 20th Meeting of the National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (NCSTI), on Thursday, in Abuja.
He said that the ability of Nigeria to compete and prosper depends on significant development of technological capacities and innovations.
In his words; “Nigeria’s effort to improve its global competitiveness will contribute to the well-being and quality of life of people through the production of goods and services.”
He further stated that through the policy strategy produced by the Ministry in 2016, tagged “National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria”, the country will help to minimize over-dependence on foreign products.
He further said that the strategy for Nigeria’s competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development will undoubtedly help the government to focus and target appropriate items that could be produced in Nigeria.
Mohammed charged all stakeholders that the strategic document is recommended to all involved in enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in industrial production as a means of reducing our inherent high propensity for consumption of imported raw materials and products.
The Minister further said that the country is requesting the National Assembly to make adequate appropriation of funds for Research, Development and Innovation (RD&1) in order to move the nation technologically.
Earlier, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Pantami represented by the Executive Commissioner for State Holders Management of the Nigerian Communication Commission, Barrister Adeleke Adewo, said that global competitiveness through the application of STI is embedded on the strategic pillars of Nigeria’s Digital Economy for strength and strategy.
He also called on all stakeholders to work in harmony and focus on finding the underline technological infrastructures which will enhance Nigerian competitiveness through STI
The Commissioner of Sokoto State Ministry for Science Invention and Innovation Technology, Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar said that Nigeria Competitiveness through STI is indeed timely and highly welcome.
In addition she congratulated the two Ministers who have been up and doing in ensuring that Nigeria matches with the developed world in the area of STI.
AFONJA AJIBOLA
PRESS AND PR
FMSTI
