The Federal Government has approved a National Policy on welding and welding- related fields and its urgent implementation as part of the efforts to fast-track industrialisation and sustainable development.
The was revealed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora at the northwestern zonal dialogue between the government and stakeholders in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem on the establishment and implementation of technology and innovation centres (TICs) in Kano today.
Mamora, who was represented by the director of the chemical technology department and his senior special assistant, Mr. MEJ Bassey said the policy will arrest the present situation where many Nigerians must outsource welding jobs due to the emphasis placed on foreign welding certification.
He stated that the recently approved policy is in line with the implementation of the Presidential Executive Order No. 005 which will boost local content in production.
To this end, Mamora enjoined the participants to identify other important areas for effective regulation, credible certification and accreditation, to achieve the country’s goal.
This, he added, will give the desired credence to Nigeria’s certification and accreditation outcomes.
Mamora said the country can develop an effective and sustainable strategic framework for wealth and job creation, as well as prosperity for all her citizens through dialogue.
Listing some positives of the move, Mamora said they include “Provision of an enabling environment for emergence of tech giants, increase in performance of researchers, peer review of researchers for effectiveness, learning of new approaches to research through interaction, increase in patents, platform for the presentation of results of reverse engineering, innovative discoveries and inventions, emergence of commercial research and development companies, improved research funding through grants from businessmen and industrialists, provision of venture capital from commercial banks, improved interaction amongst scientists in Nigeria, motivation for more Nigerians to go into research and development (R&D) activities including youth and women, creation of better visibility for Nigerian researchers at local and international levels, effective executive monitoring and evaluation of research activities in Nigeria for better direction of the Nigerian economy.”
Earlier, the national coordinator, Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order NO. 005 (SITOPEO), Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor admonished the participants to effectively promote the implementation of Executive Order no.5 in their various organisations and states within the zone. He further stated that the difference between developing and developed countries is the application of science, technology and innovation (STI).
“Proper and deliberate use of STI will fast-track development and industrialisation in the country,” he said.
The permanent secretary, Kano State Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Binta Bala, who represented the commissioner, reiterated the commitment of the state to a partnership with the Federal Government in the promotion of local content using Executive Order No. 005. She further stated that the Kano State govt has already taken the lead by establishing 16 incubation centres for capacity building of unemployed youths in indigenous skills in the state.
Speaking, the rector, Kano State polytechnic, Dr. Kabiru Dungurawa, congratulated the Federal Government for hatching the idea. He sid it would enhance the promotion of local content and boost the production of locally manufactured goods.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director and signed by Josephine Ademu said Dungurawa also indicated the willingness of the Kano State Polytechnic to partner with the Ministry in Science, Technology and Innovation promotion.
