FG mulls using local experts for projects of national security

• NISER seeks achievable fiscal policies

THE Federal Government has disclosed plans to adopt indigenous professionals and firms in the execution of projects involving national security.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, disclosed this in Port Harcourt at the south-south dialogue on the Presidential Executive Order No.5.

A statement by the ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations, AbdulGaniyu Aminu, also said the government would empower more Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

Those to be empowered are expected to participate effectively in the management of the economy by attracting local and foreign investments.

Onu said the Executive Order 5 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari to redirect the economy to be knowledgebased, innovative and attuned to the challenges of the times.

He stressed that Nigerian youths, professionals, indigenous contractors and consultants are indispensable, if Nigeria must become a truly great economy.

He said: “Foreign experts will only be engaged on condition that such expertise is not available in Nigeria. Even when they are engaged, Nigerian professionals would be attached to understudy them.

“All MDAS are to take steps to encourage indigenous professionals in the diaspora to return home and use their expertise to develop Nigeria.”

He explained that it was on this basis that a delegation from the ministry visited three states in the U.S.A from 27 August 27 to September 3, 2018. According to him, Nigerian professionals in all fields now have greater opportunities to participate in the economy by utilising the tax incentives and other waivers given to them by the new order.