Nigeria to Partner Cuba to Boost Pharmaceutical Production

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Republic of Cuba in the development of biotechnology for pharmaceutical production.

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This was disclosed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu during a courtesy visit by  the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Amb. Clara Pulido Escadell  in his office on Monday in Abuja.

Dr. Onu said that Nigeria which has a large youthful population as compared to other developed countries will accelerate the development of the country especially in the areas of Bio-technology.

He further said that Nigerian youths at home and in the diaspora, have reached the peak of their careers in various technological endeavours and that with the necessary skills could take Nigeria to greater heights.

On tackling food security, the Federal Government has assured that Nigeria is no longer one of the largest importers of rice, but has emerged as one of the largest producers and exporters of rice in Africa.

Further on Nigeria’s efforts at biotechnology development, Dr. Onu said that the cultivation of yam is not just for food but also as a raw material for industries.

Dr. Onu assured the Cuban envoy of Nigeria’s collaboration and close working relationship with them.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Amb. Clara Pulido Escadell, said her visit is to discuss Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming International Conference Bio Habana 2022, slated to be held in Cuba from 25th-29th April, 2022.

She also discussed the relationship between the two nations and hailed the tremendous opportunities that are in Nigeria.

MTO/Sun