Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that from 2010 to date the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has been able to secure about 320 Patent Certificates for Inventors and Researchers of Tertiary and Research Institutions in the country.
Nnaji said this, during the presentation of 18 Patent Certificates to Researchers and Inventors, today in Abuja.
He further said that the presentation of Patent Certificate to researchers is to encourage inventors and innovators stressing the willingness of Federal Government in assisting researchers and inventors to protect their research and development results for economic benefit of the nation.
He further stated that intellectual property in the form of technological innovation has become the basis for international power structure adding that its economic growth depends largely on researchers.
To this end, Nnaji commended the recipients of the certificate to use the opportunity to reap the economic benefits of their inventions as the nation can only derive maximum benefit from their efforts if their patents translate into products and services for economic growth of the country.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) Dr. Dan-Azumi Ibrahim said that from 2015 till date, the Agency was able to save N140 billion Naira from Technology transfer on patent registration in Nigeria.
He added that the Agency was able to equip research laboratories in 10 various institutes in the country.
Signed
Atuora Obed O.
DD (P&PR)
FMIST
