Nigeria is the first nation in the whole Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region to substantially comply with the recommendations of the African forum on research and innovation, according to the minister of science, technology, and innovation, Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (FARI).
During the South-West zonal dialogue between the government and stakeholders in the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem on the establishment of technology and innovation centers, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, represented the minister and announced the ground-breaking achievement to the public in Lagos (TICs).
The Minister claims that the advantages of TICs include; “finding the best way to ensure that products and services in our nation are made to compete with the very best in the world; improving on the present understanding of the role of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the socioeconomic development of Nigeria by the general public; moving Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy (consumption to production); reduction/stoppage of the present Research and Development activities; and
The Minister added that, in accordance with the 2022 Revised STI Policy, Nigeria is working toward building a sizable, robust, diverse, sustainable, and competitive economy by 2030 that will effectively harness the skills and energies of its populace and responsibly use its natural resources.
He emphasized that the protection of researchers, inventors, and innovators will be ensured with appropriate legal frameworks, such as the issuance of patents and other intellectual property rights, in accordance with Presidential Executive Order No. 5 STI Policy of 2022 and the Abuja adopted recommendations of FARI.
Mamora gave the assurance that the dialogues’ upcoming phases would continue to promote the transition of the nation’s economy from one based on natural resources to one based on knowledge. These phases would take place in the North West, South-South, and North Eastern Zones of the country.
In a similar vein, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, National Coordinator of the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order No. 5, listed a few goals of the ORDER, including attracting domestic and foreign investments through job creation and boosting the national economy through S&T. (STI).
He added urged attendees to take advantage of the dialogue’s opportunity to address the administration and contribute to the creation of a knowledge- and production-driven Nigeria.
Additionally, the Hon. Hakeem Fahm, commissioner of science and technology for the state of Lagos, reiterated the commitment of the Lagos government to support this admirable initiative of the federal government to close the infrastructural gaps in the State and also to provide more people with opportunities to benefit from the innovation hub. He was represented by Dr. Iyabo Phillips, director of science programs and promotion.
