The Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mrs. Jennifer Adasen Efeviroro, has affirmed that it is high time the nation moves into deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), to the transformation of Nigeria from being a dependent and consumer nation, to an exporting one through rapid industrialization and manufacturing of her abundant resources.
Adasen made this assertion in Abuja recently at a meeting convened by the Honourable Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, with commissioners of STI from across the country, to fine-tune the frame work on the deployment of the 0.5% allocation from the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to leap frog research and innovation for Nigeria’s economic greatness as well as the overall well being of every Nigerian.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, had in March 2021, through the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, declared that a minimum of 0.5% of the nation’s GDP would be allocated for scientists and innovators to carry out their research and development on their inventions.
The Delta Science, Technology and Innovation Commissioner, told the gathering at the stakeholders meeting held at the headquarters of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) while commending the Federal Government for the allocation which she described as timely, adding that concerted efforts be made to increase the allocation from 0.5% to 1% as advocated by UNESCIO and the African Union (AU).
Earlier while declaring the meeting open, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, solicited the support of the 36 states Governors through their various Commissioners adding that every effort should be made to reposition Nigeria on the trajectory of economic greatness and industrialization.
According to him, the economic success as well as industrial leadership of nations and corporate bodies are STI based, explaining that this guarantees continuous economic growth and promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
The minister went further to state that if Nigeria must become truly great, STI must be effectively deployed and utilized for nation building.
Said Onu: “The National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy, articulates the establishment of both the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and the National Research Innovation Fund (NRIF). These will help the realization of the viable National System of innovation, focusing on inclusive growth and facilitating Federal sectorial, regional, State and Local innovations”.
In his remarks, the minister of state for STI, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, said Nigeria must begin to emulate China, Singapore and other Asian Tiger countries, by taking a decisive action in order to put the nation on the path of a viable and sustainable economic growth and rapid transformation.
The stakeholders meeting attracted STI Commissioners and their representative from Delta, Tabara, Borno, Niger, Kastina, Edo, Nassarawa, Bauchi and Gombe States among others.