Federal Government promises support for scientific innovations

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has reaffirmed Federal Government’s support to development of key scientific innovations in the country.

The minister, who stated this when he declared open the 19th National Council on Science, Technology and Innovation, yesterday, in Abuja, said government would lend its support through friendly policies, including ensuring harmony of research efforts from different research institutions.

The theme of the Council was ‘Investment in Research and Development: A Necessary Tool to Improving Nigerian Economy’.

Onu noted that efforts were being made to review the current Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy to meet the needs of the 21st century and proffer solutions to teeming challenges facing the country today.

He said Nigeria is determined to be a major global player in space technology, noting that it was the first sub-Saharan African country to launch and develop space technology.

Onu maintained that research institutes and agencies under the ministry would continue to develop innovations to enable farmers achieve more agricultural yield and reduce post-harvest losses.

He stressed the need for the country to be self-reliant, patronise indigenous goods and services, encourage export and achieve a favourable balance of trade.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Research Institutions, Jafaru Mohammed, said more efforts would be put into scientific innovations, while appreciating the synergy among the scientific ecosystem in Nigeria.

Ambassador of Venezuela to Nigeria, David Nieves Velásquez Caraballo, who described the development of STI in Nigeria as a positive development, pledged that his country would continue to work closely with Nigeria for mutual benefits in many areas including STI.