By Timothy Choji, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the governing board of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI to reposition the agency in order to achieve its mandate.
The President has also directed NASENI to fast-track industrial development across the country.
He gave the directives at the opening of the meeting of the governing board of NASENI in Abuja.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairman of the governing board of NASENI, President Buhari noted that NASENI was a mechanism for stimulating linkages between science and technology academics and the industrial sector on one hand and the country’s economic and structural transformation on the other.
He therefore directed the governing board of the agency to ensure it works hard to galvanise NASENI toward achieving its mandate.
He said: “Under the Act establishing the agency, NASENI is to operate as an extra-ministerial department with its mono mandate institutes across the country. It is my desire that this meeting of the governing council will reposition NASENI for the realisation of its mandate as envisioned by its founders.”
Similarly, he urged the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to ensure prompt release of funds meant for the agency.
“In order to realise its full potential, NASENI must be empowered through the provision of adequate financial, human and material resources and be given the autonomy and independence to forge international partnerships to acquire the relevant technologies for socio-economic and industrial advancement of the country.
“In this regard, I have directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning as well as the Federal Inland revenue Services to commence remittances of funds approved by law to the agency,” he said.
Machine Building
Furthermore, the Nigerian leader encouraged NASENI to develop local capacity in machine building and fabrication for industrial development in the country.
He also said the agency can help Nigeria develop homegrown technology that can lead to economic development and post-covid sustainability, as nations of the world battle to survive the Covid-19 era.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairman of the agency, Mohammed Haruna, thanked President Buhari for his support to NASENI.
He said the agency was poised to carry out its mandate of improving science and engineering innovations that would enhance development in the country.
The meeting of the governing board was done virtually, as presided by President Buhari from the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Confidence Okwuchi
