The Nigerian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora has emphasised the importance of research and development (R&D) in the country’s technological and innovative advancement.
During a recent courtesy visit by the director-general of the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), Maj. Gen. Charles Ofoche, Mamora called for the prioritisation of R&D in Nigeria to achieve significant development in the sector.
Mamora pointed out that to develop technologically, a nation must prioritise R&D in line with its areas of specialisation and economic advantage. He added that many of Nigeria’s R&D outputs are sitting on shelves, which cannot add value to the economy until they become marketable commodities. He further noted that Nigeria is blessed with untapped natural resources in all its 36 states, which are yet to be utilized for the country’s technological advancement.
The minister called on the ministry’s agencies to collaborate with each other to speed up the commercialisation of their R&D products. He also stressed the importance of partnering with the private sector to achieve the desired funding.
Ofoche stated that the purpose of their visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry in the area of the R&D value chain for the military and Nigeria in general. He added that proper management of R&D outputs would enhance the transformation of Nigeria’s technology and innovation sector.
