The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has called for a new generation of Nigerian businessmen and entrepreneurs, who will utilize indigenous technology and innovation in order to fast track economic development.
Dr. Onu made the call, when he inaugurated the committee on commercialization of research and development results, inventions and innovations in Nigeria in his office on Friday.
The minister asserted that Nigeria’s economy should be primarily driven by indigenous business men and women, in order to ensure national security and economic transformation.
He expressed optimism in the committee contribution as Nigeria tries to diversify its economy in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
Onu reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to lift one hundred million people out of poverty in 10 years, adding that raising people out of poverty is a challenge that must be tackled to ensure turnaround in the economy.
While emphasizing the importance of Science and Technology in steering people out of poverty, he said the Economic and Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2030) places science; technology and innovation as the fulcrum of all economic activities saying that the ministry will work t achieve this feat.
Onu, said he was confident that the committee will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that research and development reports are properly commercialized and converted to products that would be useful to the society.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Bako Nabasu, said members of the committee were drawn from key stakeholders in the Science, Technology and Innovation industry, as well as the Organized Private Sector.
He pointed out that the main aim of the committee is to help fast track research and development results for the benefit of the country.
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Ekanem Udoh gave assured that the committee will work tirelessly to solve the problem of commercializing Research and Development results which will be a huge boost to the fortunes of the country and boost the STI sector of the economy.
