Why FG is exploring research, innovation for devt — Minister

The Federal Government is exploring research and innovation to achieve sustainable economic development because the advanced economies countries did just that, the Minister Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said.

Dr Onu disclosed this when the Executive Body of Nigerians in Diaspora from Americas, Europe & Africa led by Dr Prince Yomi Omegbehin paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja, a statement from the ministry said yesterday.

According to the Minister, in order for Nigeria to take the lead in the comity of nations, the need to redirect the economy in areas of research and innovations is imperative.

He said the Ministry of Science and Technology with 17 agencies under its purview was strengthening research findings in universities, Polytechnics and research institutes in order to make the findings market-driven.

Dr Onu further stated that with the recent commercialization drive by the ministry, Nigeria would achieve more in the area of providing jobs, creating wealth and fighting poverty.

The Minister also said that it is expected that if science and technology is utilised to help build entrepreneurial skills, crime rates in Nigeria will greatly reduce and there will be knowledge transfer chain within family members and friends.

He informed the delegation that the ministry has come up with a road map 2017 - 2030 to give many opportunities to have a short-term, medium -term and long-term impact.

Moreover the road map according to him, will promote competiveness in product manufacturing in Nigeria that will promote savings of about N3.6trillion naira when we harness our raw materials effectively.