The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is to establish a Biotechnology Centre of International Standard in Nigeria, at the National Bio- Technology Development Agency (NABDA), Abuja.
Inaugurating the meeting today in his office, the minister stated that the federal government is committed to the development of wealth creation, job creation, and poverty reduction in redirecting the economy of the country, for sustainable national development.
According to the minister, he believed that Nigeria can be prosperous rich and strong through proper deployment of science and technology in the development of our country.
Dr Onu stated that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is working assiduously to strengthen the existing relationship between the organized private sector, innovators and the entrepreneurs in the industry.
He further said that through the organized private sector Nigeria can increase research in our Universities, Polytechnics, Research Institutes within the industry.
Moreso, this synergy requires that all Nigerians key in and work together to deploy science and technology to enhance our human capital development.
He reiterated that this synergy will help in strengthening the institutions and the organized private sector, thereby making Nigeria self-reliant and building tremendous growth in our gross domestic product (GDP) to attain greater heights in the mere future.
With the growth in our GDP he said, Nigeria will conserve foreign exchange, strengthen our naira and create jobs for our teeming unemployed youths.
In his briefing to the honourable minister, the Director Bio- resources and technology department of the ministry Mr Abayomi Oguntunde informed the minister that the Department of Bio resources of the ministry is proposing the establishment of a Reference Biotechnology Centre of International Standard at National Bio -Technology Development Agency (NABDA).
The Centre he said, will be involved in conducting clinical examinations through laboratory medicine and imaging techniques, conducting R&D into Rapid and Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Medical Diagnostic Test Devices, Biologics , Biopharmaceutics and Vaccines as well as setting up production facilities for them.
Henrietta Okokon
For: Chief Press Secretary to the Minister
