The Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said the Federal Government is committed to dedicating 0.5% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to funding Research and Innovation so as to accelerate the technological advancement of the nation.
Nnaji stated this at the opening Ceremony of the Technology Innovation Expo 2024 tagged: “STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges”.
According to the Minister, 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.
He reiterated the commitment of President, Ahmed Tinubu 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.
The Minister 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.
He 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.
To this end, the Minister further explained that prioritizing local content through STI is key to unlocking sustainable potentials, propels nations and businesses to economic prosperity for industrial development and growth.
To this end, the Minister further explained that prioritizing local content through STI is key to unlocking sustainable potentials, propels nations and businesses to economic prosperity for industrial development and growth.
Speaking, the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma said that all over the world, nations transform their economy through Science, Technology and Innovation, adding that the country should deploy technology into the Agricultural sector to boost food security and alleviate poverty.
He commended the Ministry 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”.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye said that the objective of the Techno Expo is to bring together, Innovators, Inventors and Investors in order to ensure rapid technological advancement of Nigeria.
She further stated that STI apparatus will assist in addressing the security challenges in the country.
Signed:
Atuora Obed O.
DD (Press & Public Relations)
FMIST
