Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the Raw Material Research and Development Council’s Technology and Innovation Complex.
President Buhari described it as a manifestation of the government’s commitment to research, Innovation and technology transfer in the country.
President Buhari said this at the commissioning of the agency’s Technology and Innovation Complex in Abuja which houses many Indigenous fabricated machines used for processing agricultural, and pharmaceutical raw materials sourced locally from different parts of Nigeria into finished products.
Represented by the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Dr Adeleke Mamora, the President said that “the complex is a milestone towards Nigeria’s” industrialization and technological self-reliance.”
“Today, we witness the birth of an incubation centre that will foster innovation, nurture cutting-edge technologies and accelerate the commercialization of projects that hold the key to our industrial future. RMRDC Technology and Innovation Complex will serve as a vibrant hub for collaboration as well as Research and Development (R&D) initiatives to propel Nigeria to a global player in technological advancement and industrial transformation,” he said.
The President stated that the centre would foster collaboration among the academia, researchers and Industry experts which will in turn deepen the understanding of the country’s natural resources, optimize their utilization and spur innovation that addresses the nation’s specific challenges.
President Buhari said; “This Complex will serve as a testing centre, rigorously evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of model and pilot projects. This ensures wise resource allocation, focusing on initiatives that demonstrate scientific excellence and strong market potential. Through this rigorous evaluation process, we will shape our industrial landscape, and promote sustainable development and economic prosperity.”
Describing other benefits of the centre, President Buhari said; “These and other pilot plants were strategically chosen to save and generate revenue for Nigeria while creating job opportunities and wealth for our youths. The RMRDC Technology and Innovation Complex will be instrumental in driving these initiatives forward.
“Expectedly, these initiatives are attracting the interest of industrialists and MSMEs for investment, adoption and replication with the attendant job creation, local content development in manufacturing promotion and increased GDP.”
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Mrs Monilola Udoh expressed her appreciation to President Buhari for championing the cause of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Nigeria.
Mrs Udoh said his commitment to driving industrialization and building a knowledge-based economy has been instrumental in making the Complex a reality.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
