The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has declared that embracing innovation, science and technology (IST) is the pivotal solution to the nation’s challenges, serving as the engine room for transforming and accelerating economic advancement.
Speaking at the world press briefing of the Technology Innovation Expo 2024, themed “STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges,” in Abuja, Nnaji highlighted IST’s crucial role in promoting locally made goods and services. He emphasised that this move would significantly reduce the high cost of importation, boost revenue generation, create employment opportunities and elevate the standard of living for Nigerians.
The Technology Innovation Expo, scheduled for March 11 to 15, 2024, at Eagle Square, Abuja, aims to create awareness about science and technology while showcasing achievements. Nnaji stressed that it provides a platform to bring together inventors, innovators, and investors, fostering potential commercialisation of research outputs.
Nnaji expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, focusing on economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing, all propelled by innovation, science and technology.
Optimistic about the nation’s future, Nnaji urged collective and unrelenting efforts, envisioning a service-driven economy that competes culturally, socioeconomically and politically. He called on Nigerian technopreneurs in the organized public sector (OPS) to be patriotic, inward-looking, and collaborate with the ministry to develop the country’s IST sector for economic growth and national development.
Highlighting the potential of scientific tools to address the country’s challenges, the permanent secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye expressed confidence that Nigeria would not be left behind as the world transitions into the fourth industrial revolution. The expo serves as a strategic initiative to harness the power of IST in navigating the nation through these challenges towards a more prosperous future.
