By Adaora Adibe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed his full support to initiatives that could boost research and innovations in Nigeria at the High-Level Policy Dialogue and Stakeholders Engagement event held in the Raw Materials Research and Development Council’s boardroom in Abuja.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Federal Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology (FMIST), Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, said the move is pivotal to advancing Nigeria’s scientific and technological research framework. He stated that the dialogue is centered on the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and the National Research Fund (NRF), both which are crucial to driving the nation’s development in research and innovation.
Addressing a diverse gathering of government officials and academia, Nnaji highlighted the Eight-Point Agenda of President Tinubu which focuses on security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, social welfare, rule of law, and foreign policy underscores the importance of the knowledge -driven economy.
“His Excellency has already approved an Inter- Ministerial Committee, under the office of the Vice President, working diligently on a draft of the Federal Executive Council for the establishment of the NRF. This committee composed of representatives from various key ministries and stakeholders, is tasked with creating a creative and robust framework for these initiatives to thrive, “he stated.
He said under the 2022 Science Technology and Innovation (STI) policy, the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology includes fostering a national environment where research, innovation, and development are prioritized. The NRIC and NRF are central to fulfilling the mandate.
He emphasized that the committee’s collective expertise is essentially guiding the development of a comprehensive policy framework that will underpin the NRIC & NRF. He also explained that a Bill for the establishment of NRIC and NRF is currently under review by the National Assembly.
“The legislation is critical as it will formalize the mandate and provide legal basis for sustainable funding. We are optimistic that the National Assembly will recognize the importance of this initiative and expedite its passage as soon as the Federal Executive Council completes its assignment’, he said.
He called on participants to consider measures that shall enhance the effectiveness of NRIC and NRF in the following areas; enhanced collaboration and partnership, capacity building for effective management of funds, commitment to Local Content Development by prioritizing projects that enhance local content in technology and innovation etc.
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He noted, “By investing in Indigenous innovations, we will reduce Nigeria ‘s dependence on imported technology, create jobs, and foster a self-sustaining economy”.
The Minister extended his appreciation to all attendees, especially Prof. Nicholas Ozor, Executive Director of African Technology and Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Prof. Peter Onwualu of Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST), United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and all organizers and partners involved for their support in strengthening Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem’s and making the event a reality.
He also applauded their dedication and partnership which is instrumental to the journey towards establishing the NRIC and NRF.
The NRIC, once established, is expected to serve as the primary governing body overseeing research policy and funding allocations in Nigeria. The NRF, on the other hand, will provide the financial support necessary to conduct high-impact research, particularly in areas crucial to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
The event is seen as a promising step towards building a research culture in Nigeria that not only addresses local needs but also contributes to the global knowledge economy.
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