The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji has said that Republic of Cuba’s global reputation in Biotechnology, Health Innovation, and Technical education aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities of the present administration’s commitment to building an innovation-led and self-reliant economy.
The Minister said this when the Cuban Ambassador Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero and her team paid a courtesy visit to his office, today in Abuja.
Nnaji also stated that Nigeria and Cuba have for long shared a history of friendship and that Nigeria seek to strengthen that bond through deeper collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation.
He further said that Cuba’s example of technological resilience is an inspiration, and Nigeria is ready and willing to seize the opportunity to deliver lasting impact through innovation-driven cooperation.
Nnaji therefore moved for an expanding partnership between the two countries in the area of, Innovation and Technology Transfer, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Renewable Energy, Research Exchange and Agricultural Biotech amongst others.
The Minister appreciated the Cuban Government’s support in training Nigerian Doctors previously, offering scholarships and engaging in primary healthcare collaboration which he said will soon be expanded.
Speaking, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria Her Excellency, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero said that the purpose of their visit is to strengthen deeper ties with Nigeria in areas of STI.
She extended invitation to the Ministry for the forthcoming International Convention on Environmental Development in Havana, Cuba scheduled for July this year with the expectations of Nigerian delegates to attend the event and share experience with counterparts around the world.
Earlier, the Director General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBDA), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha explained that the efforts and progress the Agency is making with the Cuban Government in Vaccine production is tremendous and therefore emphasized on the need for urgent action in view of the speculations of another deadly virus.
Signed
Pauline Sule (Mrs.) anipr
Head (Information & PRU)
