The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has been commended by the newly appointed permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), Mr. James Sule for its regulatory efforts in protecting the national economy through the registration and evaluation of technology transfer agreements.
During a special briefing conducted by the director-general of NOTAP, Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim and his management team at the ministry, Sule expressed admiration for NOTAP’s achievement of substantial financial savings amounting to N140 billion between 2012 and 2022. He praised the agency and encouraged it to continue its vigilant efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy against capital flight.
Additionally, Sule commended NOTAP for its implementation of the Local Vendor Policy, which has facilitated the development of skills among young, indigenous ICT experts. As a result of this policy, some of these experts have successfully created locally developed software and begun exporting it to various African countries.
In recognition of NOTAP’s accomplishments, Sule applauded the agency for completing its office corporate headquarters building project. He emphasised the importance of synergy among the various agencies under his supervision and stressed the need for concerted efforts to fuel innovation for the betterment of the nation’s economy.
In his presentation to the new permanent secretary, Ibrahim outlined NOTAP’s activities, programmes and challenges. He explained that NOTAP’s primary purpose is to regulate the inflow of foreign technology into the country and, during the period from 2012 to 2022, the agency successfully prevented capital flight, resulting in the retention of N140 billion within the nation.
Ibrahim highlighted the effectiveness of the Local Vendor Policy, which has empowered local players in Nigeria’s ICT sector to enhance their capacity in software development. Consequently, many of these players have begun exporting software to other African nations.
To promote the culture of patenting research and development outputs, NOTAP has established 64 intellectual property technology transfer offices (IPTTOs) in research and tertiary institutions nationwide. The agency also assists inventors and innovators by filing and paying the patent fees at the Patent Registry of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment on their behalf, free of charge.
Ibrahim informed the permanent secretary about NOTAP’s industry partnerships, which have led to the upgrading of five laboratories in research institutions and universities across the country. Furthermore, the agency has developed the technology storyboard, a project aimed at fostering a culture of science and technology among children and has collaborated with Friesland Campina WAMCO on a local dairy development initiative.
One notable collaboration with the industry is the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF), through which 23 Nigerians have enrolled to enhance their research capabilities in solving industrial problems.
Ibrahim also mentioned some challenges faced by NOTAP, including the loss of experienced personnel and the lack of necessary approval and budgetary provisions to employ younger staff, which could lead to succession issues if not promptly addressed. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenge of oil and gas sector players failing to submit technology transfer agreements for evaluation and registration.
In conclusion, Sule lauded NOTAP for its crucial role in safeguarding the national economy through its regulatory functions. He encouraged the agency to continue its efforts while emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation for the nation’s progress.
