The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing local content integration in innovation, science, and technology across vital sectors of the economy with the goal of lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty.
At the commencement of the National Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Capacity Building programme tagged “Train the Trainee” organised by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) in Abuja, the minister highlighted that training young individuals in auto gas conversion will spur economic diversification, generate job opportunities, promote self-reliance, and alleviate youth unrest.
Nnaji emphasised, “Economic progress thrives on innovation, science, and technology. Our ministry is dedicated to contributing to Nigeria’s advancement by enhancing capacity in these domains. Since assuming office in 2023, our focus has been on achieving key areas as delineated in the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda by President Bola Tinubu, emphasising economic reform, national security, agricultural growth, energy development, infrastructure enhancement, education, health, social investment, industrialisation and improved governance.”
He further noted that the ministry, through FIIRO, has made significant strides in line with the administration’s agenda, producing innovations like the FIIRO auto gas technology aimed at providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels following subsidy removal.
Nnaji also mentioned the ministry’s comprehensive policies and initiatives to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, insecurity and healthcare through robust research and development (R&D) implementation in all sectors.
The minister praised Tinubu’s steadfast support and directives to leverage R&D outcomes for policymaking enhancements.
Encouraging participants to grasp and maximize the opportunity to train others for sustainability and economic empowerment, Nnaji highlighted that this initiative will facilitate Nigeria’s shift from a consuming to a producing economic entity.
Earlier, the director-general of FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Adamu emphasised the Institute’s dedication to providing solutions to evolving innovative and technological challenges of the 21st century, utilising local technologies and materials to develop over 250 market-driven technologies while also training organisations, communities and individuals for self-reliance and socio-economic growth.
The director-general of the National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Asabe Bashir noted Nigeria’s wealth of intellectual resources capable of propelling technological advancements and economic growth worldwide.
