Economic Recovery: Nigeria begins Dialogue on deployment of Science, Technology, Innovation
Hadiza Ndadama
Stakeholders in the Science and Technology ecosystem in Nigeria have began dialogue on the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation, STI, for the economic recovery and growth of the country.
The stakeholders who gathered at the Flag-off of national dialogue on the establishment and deployment of Technology and Innovation centers, comprised of Academic and Research Institutions, Organised Private Sector and Professional Bodies.
The dialogue which servse as an avenue for the Promotion of Technology Utilisation, Strengthening of Technology Management and Information Systems, facilitation of Commercialisation and Global Competitiveness is in a bid to ensure the realisation of the Executive Order No 5, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the 2022 Science Technology and Innovation policy.
Addressing participants, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Adeleke Mamora stressed that Science, Technology and Innovation play an important role in the fiscal and monetary policies of the country, and so the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is innovating with a view to having a shift in policies most importantly the STI for economic recovery and growth.
“Over the years, the role of STI in the developmental agenda of the nation has been relegated. However, the dwindling revenue base and decline in foreign exchange earnings of the country, calls for serious concern, hence, the need to look inwards at the active impact
Science, Technology and Innovation can play in reversing these trends.”
The Minister stated that Global Competitiveness Index for Nigeria is low, and is currently targeted at making policymakers and other stakeholders to work together to achieve short term growth and focus on long term prosperity for the country.
He also noted that there are declining trends in several areas of productivity which have not resulted in improved economic development.
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Dr Mamora stressed on the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic which shows that little have been invested in the requisite innovation that could make the society more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
“The outbreak of the pandemic had led to high unemployment rates and poverty thereby reversing the gains achieved over the past few decades. The pandemic showed the inadequacies of infrastructure and policies, ranging from social protection systems to healthcare,” he said.
However, Mamora noted that the innovation ecosystems of the country are geared towards a drive aimed at generation of ideas, their translation into products, and the commercialisation of these products on a large scale.
Hubs to Promote Technology
The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Henry Ikechuckwu Ikoh noted that the Establishment and Implementation of these Technology and Innovation Centers will serve as Hubs for Promotion of Technology Utilisation and will also support the stabilisation of the nation’s foreign exchange.
“These Hubs will bring together Government, Academia, Industry and Civil Society as unifying centers for constant dialogue on strategies for the promotion of Industry and Business Driven Research, Development and Innovation activities which will focus on Reverse Engineering, Innovativeness, Production, Value Addition and Commercialization leading to Global competitiveness and ultimately sustainable Wealth Creation,” he said.
He stated that the theme of the Dialogue which is “Achieving Nigeria’s Competitiveness and Improved Foreign Exchange Earnings through Science, Technology and Innovation” has been specially selected in order to produce an effective and efficient National Strategy Document which will guide in the use of Science, Technology and Innovation in order to resolve some of the economic problems the country is facing.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs Monilola Udoh emphasised the need to consider the sector as a top priority despite the limitations in funding.
In addition, the National Coordinator for Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order NO.5, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, said that one of the objectives of the Executive Order.05 is to propagate the vital role of STI in National Economic Development, particularly, in the area of promoting ‘’made in Nigeria goods and services’’.
Also, the representative of UNESCO regional office Abuja, Ofure Aikhakhomon said that STI is key element and a driving force for development adding that UNESCO is ready to collaborate with the Ministry so as to enhance sustained STI goals in the country.
Hauwa Abu
