President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja directed the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to work towards bridging the gaps in research and technology that keeps Nigeria waiting on other countries for supplies and solutions, especially in tackling challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a meeting with the Board of NASENI at the State House, the president, who is also the Chairman of the Board, said the agency should play a more pivotal role in equipping the country during emergencies while encouraging research, upgrading local skills, fabrication and international collaborations that would provoke growth in science and technology.
“The uniqueness of the mandate of NASENI as enshrined in its enabling law towards the actualization and realization of our development programmes such as creation of Ten Million jobs; Economic Recovery and Growth Programme (ERGP) and Post COVID-19 sustainability Plan.
“It is only deliberate deployment of Engineering, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) using technology domestication and reverse engineering of capital goods; making them available in Nigeria that can fast-track realization of our collective will to build capacity and reduce poverty among our teeming populace.
“However, in order to realize its full potential, NASENI must be empowered through the provision of adequate financial, human and material resources and be given the autonomy and independence to forge international partnerships to acquire the relevant technologies for socio-economic and industrial advancement of the country.”
The president also directed the Minister of Finance to conclude negotiation and acceptance of 85 percent funding source for establishment of Solar Cells production, High Voltage testing laboratory and Transformer in collaboration with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).
“It is important for members of NASENI Governing Board to note that Agencies of Government with similar mandate as NASENI in many countries are directly under the supervision of their respective Heads of State and Government,” he said.
At the meeting, the president approved the National Tractor Refurbishment and Recovery Programme, which will cater for the repair and repositioning of more than 55,000 tractors across the country, and collaboration with Belgium Helicopter Manufacturing Company (Dynali Company) for helicopter production.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Professor M. S. Haruna, said the agency had invested in human capacity development that translated into manufacturing of a kinetic turbine, pre-paid metres, transformers, brick moulding machines, laboratory equipment and unmanned aerial drones.
