The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has underscored the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to providing essential support to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
This support aims to enable NOTAP to fulfil its mission of regulating and registering technology transfer agreements, thereby fostering indigenous technological activities within the country.
Nnaji’s statement came during the commissioning of the new National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) headquarters complex in Abuja. The minister further emphasised that the ministry will remain dedicated to supporting the agency in ensuring that all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), along with private sector organisations, adhere to the requirement of registering their technology transfer agreements, as stipulated in NOTAP’s mandate.
He acknowledged the pivotal role that a conducive working environment plays in achieving efficiency, heightened productivity and elevated staff performance, all of which are instrumental in optimizing service delivery for the greater cause of national development and growth. In this light, the minister lauded the past administration of former president, Muhammadu Buhari for approving the construction of the headquarters complex and the allocation of appropriate funds.
Additionally, Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for granting approval for the commissioning of the NOTAP headquarters complex. He also commended the steadfast support of the 9th National Assembly.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas added to the chorus of support by highlighting the pivotal role of innovation, science and technology in propelling the nation to greater heights. He assured that adequate budgetary allocations would be provided for the sector, and requisite legal frameworks would be established to ensure the effective functioning of the ministry’s agencies.
In his remarks, the chairman, House Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Dachung Bagos echoed this commitment by affirming an improved allocation of funding for the sector and a commitment to overseeing its affairs with transparency and accountability.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, James Sule, expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders and the organised private sector (OPS) to achieve the desired innovation goals, which are pivotal for diversifying the nation’s economy through the science and technology sector.
The director-general of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim further elucidated that NOTAP, under the supervision of the ministry, is mandated to regulate the influx of foreign technologies into the country and promote indigenous innovations. This process aligns with the broader objective of facilitating the emergence of a knowledge-based economy within the country. Ibrahim highlighted that his dream of providing the agency with a fitting headquarters complex had become a reality thanks to the overwhelming support and commitment of the entire management and staff of NOTAP.
