In a bid to enhance its economic growth and global standing, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting the country’s global competitiveness in raw materials and products development.
This commitment was made clear at the National Consultative Committee on Competitiveness (NCCC) conference, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the implementation of the national strategy for competitiveness in raw materials and products development in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji emphasised the importance of developing Nigeria’s abundant raw materials into high-quality products.
“Nigeria has abundant raw materials, from solids, metals and energy minerals to agro-raw materials. However, the mere possession of these resources does not guarantee economic prosperity.
“Developing raw materials into high-quality products is a necessity and a strategic imperative for national growth and global competitiveness,” he stated.
Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), welcomed participants to the conference and highlighted the significance of the National Strategy.
“This home-grown strategy anchored on applying innovation, science, and technology to raw materials and product development is a unique change agent in our national development initiatives. Its successful implementation will unquestionably reduce the level of raw materials and products imports into the country,” he said.
Esuabana Nko Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, chaired the opening ceremony and encouraged stakeholders to work together to achieve the strategy’s objectives.
“I encourage all stakeholders to continue to form strategic coalitions with the resultant production of high-quality and competitive raw materials and products to ensure steady improvement of Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Competitiveness Index,” he urged.
The conference aimed to discuss crucial issues relevant to the successful implementation of the National Strategy, with stakeholders from various sectors, including Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs), Organised Private Sector (OPS), academia, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media, in attendance.
“The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness, aligning with the 8-Priority Areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.”
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