The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria, Adeleke Mamora has said that the National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA has commenced the process of designing and constructing a Radio Controlled helicopter which would be used to fight insurgency and address other national needs in the country.
The Minister who stated this during a media briefing on the activities of the ministry noted that Intelligence gathering was one of the reasons Nigeria put satellites in space so as to monitor the movement of individuals from one place to another.
In a tenure of less than five months, Dr Mamora mentioned that his foremost goal was to ensure that all management and staff of the ministry imbibe the principle of the five C’s: “which are cooperation,
collaboration, coordination, communication and cordiality for their interactions to enhance productivity, progress and good interpersonal relationships.” he said.
The Minister stated that imbibing the principles will avoid the various departments and agencies from working in sailors.
Dr Mamora also mentioned that the ministry, through NASRDA, via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) had put in place arrangement for a planetarium and broadband facilities, Further highlighting the achievements of the ministry, Dr Mamora disclosed that the national policy on welding policy approved by the Federal Executive Council in October would facilitate the process of industrialization of Nigeria.
He noted that the policy would promote and enhance local content and offer vast opportunities for Nigerian professionals in the marine sector, oil and gas, as well as domestic and industrial areas.
The production of a six-cylinder IC Engine component for automobile industries by the Project Development Institute (PRODA), one of its agencies at Enugu was another achievement he said the Ministry recorded.
This he added has reduced importation and increased foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.
“Also, through the PRODA, the ministry established a metallurgical and materials engineering testing laboratory to enhance research and development in Nigeria in line with global best practices,’’ Mamora said.
He equally said that the Nigeria Institute of Science Laboratory Technology engaged in the upgrade of the multipurpose science laboratory from level one to level three.
“The other project being worked upon is with a United Kingdom-based company for the development, management and financing of the science park at Sheda Science Technology Complex SHESTCO here in Abuja.”
He also said that indigenous software enables Nigeria to have data base of professionals in diverse fields and was developed and deployed by one of the agencies of the Ministry, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
The Minister recalled that the act which was launched in Kano in November was enshrined in the presidential Executive Order No 5.
“This data base is imperative as hard working Nigerians have penetrated all walks of life, doing very well and there is need to reach out to them around the globe.”
He spoke on the construction of science laboratory in Local Government Areas in Ebonyi, with ICT infrastructure provided which were necessary for promotion of STEM learning.
Mamora added that a ministerial retreat was held to brainstorm and fashion out strategic plans for enhanced STI activities towards achieving the ministry’s goals.
“The ministry, in collaboration with Imo and Oyo states empowered over 200 Nigerian youth in various low hanging fruits of bioresources in the country in Aug 2022. This has created job opportunities and reduced youth restiveness across the country.”
Dr Mamora also said that the validation workshop at the National Technology Action Plan on Technology Needs Assessment on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation was held in October.
He said the ministry had a review of the Strategy Implementation Plan and goals execution plan on Methanol Fuel production Technology In Aug. 2022.
“Methanol Fuel is an alternative source of fuel which we are pursuing very vigorously,” he added.
Dr Mamora spoke about the Revised Energy Policy and Related National Energy Master plan and constitution of the committee.
The Minister listed critical policy documents to include Revised 2022 STI Policy, National STI Roadmap and the Technical Committee on Implementation Plan for STI Policy among others that were Inaugurated in October.
He said another policy document 2022, was the registration and release of new varieties of crops and livestock breeds for private seed companies and public research institutions.
The STI minister also said in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission recently hosted the African Forum on Research and Innovation FARI 2022 in October.
“The forum provided an opportunity for researchers and innovators within the ECOWAS member states to synergise, and exchange ideas on how to improve on the commercialization of research and development outputs that will boost the socio economic growth of the African Continent particularly in the ECOWAS region”.
The minister further indicated that various achievements are continuously recorded by other agencies under the ministry.
PIAK
