Nigerian manufacturers and stakeholders in the manufacturing and innovation sector have been urged to ensure strong regulatory frameworks in order to build confidence and trust in the country’s goods and services.
Nigeria’s Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made the call at the 2nd National Competitiveness Consultative Forum for Regulatory Establishments in Nigeria, in Abuja the nation’s capital.
Dr. Onu further said that the Federal Government aims to ensure cooperation among stakeholders in the Science Technology and Innovation sector.
According to the Minister, the collaboration will ensure reduced production cost and also guarantee stability in the supply production chain.
He said that the Ministry will propel Nigeria into a knowledge-driven economy by building vital institutional structures, human capacity development, veritable policy and the right legal framework to protect innovators like patents.
“Our programmes, especially for Research and Development would focus principally on need-based, demand-driven R&D activities,” he said.
A Solid foundation for irreversible industrialisation that is inclusive and sustainable for national development, employment generation and creation of the common wealth for the good of all Nigerians, this according to Dr. Onu, would help commercialise research development.
The Minister urged participants at the forum to come up with solutions to help improve on regulations, the National Quality Infrastructure and further Nigeria’s drive towards global competitiveness.
The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, also said, the country needs a robust STI ecosystem capable of facilitating the production of made-in Nigeria products and services to meet up with other global competitors.
Barrister Muhammed further made emphasis on the consistent vision of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration towards Nigeria to be self reliant in the area of development and an innovative driven economy.
He also assured the participants of the Ministry’s commitment on the outcomes and decisions of the forum which he said would be accorded maximum attention and support.
