The Federal Government has expressed sadness over the low utilization of several research outcomes that could have propelled Nigeria into a technologically developed nation.
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, expressed his concerns at a press briefing during the 2024 Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja. He lamented that many research outcomes, which could have advanced Nigeria technologically, are unfortunately not being fully translated into essential goods and services.
Nnaji, however, stated that the goal of the 2024 Expo is to ensure the proper exposure of investors to Nigeria’s commercializable research results, inventions, and innovations. He emphasized the existence of profitable investment opportunities in various research outcomes, making any enterprise worthwhile.
He appealed to Nigerian Techpreneurs in the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to be patriotic and inward-looking and partner with the Ministry in developing Nigeria’s STI outcomes for the nation’s cultural, socioeconomic, and political development.
Nnaji further explained that this year’s edition will be held from Monday, 11th, to Friday, 15th, in March at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with the theme “STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges.”
“This theme aligns with the Ministry’s objectives of promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation, facilitating the commercialization of Research, Development, and Innovation outcomes, and fostering inventions across all sectors of national progress.”
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He added that the primary objective of the event is to unite innovators, inventors, research institutions, universities, federal and sub-national ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), polytechnics, industries, stakeholders in the organized private sector, the international community, Nigerians in the diaspora, and others.
“This collective effort aims to promote locally made goods and services, which will reduce the high cost of importation, enhance revenue generation, create employment opportunities, and improve our country’s standard of living.”
“These initiatives are pivotal in advancing the ‘Made in Nigeria’ agenda, fueled by indigenous inventions and innovations showcased during the event,” he said.
