The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the development of the science, technology and innovation (STI) sector, stressing the sector has the potential to contribute more to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, made this known at the Qatar-Nigeria Economic Forum over the weekend in Abuja.
He said STI is a crucial and important area of focus for the government aimed at ensuring the socio-economic and technological development of the country.
The minister pointed out that the sector is currently witnessing a significant turn – around due to the interest generated and associated with the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
He added that the ministry is charged with the responsibility of formulating and reviewing the STI policy as well as the promotion of the same policy in the country.
Abdullahi also said that the STI sector holds the key to the progress of any nation, adding that it plays a fundamental role in the wealth creation, improvement of quality life, economic growth and transformation of any society.
According to him, the government through its ministries, departments and Agencies (MDAs) has entered into bilateral relations with some selected countries of the world in various fields. This, he added, is to ensure the socio-economic and technological development of the country.
He further said that the Emirates of Qatar has made significant progress in various areas relating to STI, cooperation with Qatar in STI will further strengthen and deepen the already existing relationships between both countries.
In a statement by the ministry’s deputy director, press and public relations unit, Afonja Ajibola, Abdullahi added that the ministry is also considering the available opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria and Qatar on STI in the area of science and technology, research and development, post-harvest, agro-allied processing and processed food, medicine and pharmaceuticals, nano-technology and collaboration in the establishment of methanol fuel industry in Nigeria.
