FG prioritizing innovative technologies – Minister

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said the Federal Government is prioritising the development of innovative technologies to propel Nigeria’s economic diversification away from oil and gas dependency.

He emphasized that innovation was the cornerstone of global economic growth, stressing that neglecting it would jeopardize socio-economic progress.

He stated this in Enugu on Tuesday during the commissioning of the South East Zonal Office Complex of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO).

The Minister said: “Nigeria’s economic prosperity hinges on harnessing our abundant indigenous talents and raw materials to drive technological innovation. Our nation is blessed with diverse skills and natural resources across all six geopolitical zones, motivating us to extend development beyond urban centres to rural communities.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to leveraging innovation, science, and technology to combat hunger and poverty in Nigeria.

“This stance rhymes with the global economic landscape, emphasizing innovation as the key to development and compelling us not to lag behind.

“To this end, the ministry has recently revised the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (2022) and developed additional policies to accelerate technological advancement.

“Our vision to industrialize Nigeria through Innovation, Science, and Technology has led to the establishment of Technology and Innovation Centers across the six geopolitical zones and Technology Incubation Centers in all states.

“These facilities serve as hubs for stakeholders in the IST ecosystem to foster global competitiveness by harnessing mineral and human resources.

“Furthermore, our commitment to indigenous technology is evident in our support for establishing Centers of Excellence for Welding Engineering and Technology, aimed at enhancing collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive development in the industry,” he said.

He noted that “South-East region holds significant importance as Nigeria’s industrial hub, motivating the provision of this office facility to support capacity building and enhance productivity through innovative activities.”

He appreciated the exemplary leadership of Dr. Jummai T. Adamu, FIIRO’s Director-General/CEO, and acknowledged FIIRO’s remarkable progress in infrastructural development.