The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said Nigerian and the European Union will strengthen bilateral ties, especially in the area of agriculture and research.
Onu stated this today (March 10) in his office when the Ambassador to the European Union, Ambassador Samuela Isopi paid him a courtesy visit.
He said that Nigeria wants to be an industrialised, self-reliant nation to feed its large population, create jobs and reduce poverty to the barest minimum.
He further said that there are other areas in science, technology and innovation that he believes will be of mutual benefit to both parties, adding that the nation is prepared to work with the European Union to make sure the desired objective is realised.
The minister said, as a nation, Nigeria needs to solve some problems in agriculture, education and security using STI.
He reiterated that the Muhammadu Buhari-led government is investing more in STI, determined to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next decade.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi implored the EU to widen the scope of its assistance to Africa on the development of STI.
He added that areas such as nano-tech, fintech, engineering, agriculture and many other areas could be invested in by the union.
Earlier, Isopi said that they are interested in working with Nigeria in the area of STI, as it is a pillar for sustainable development.
A statement by the ministry’s director of press and public relations, Afonja Ajibola, said the envoy highlighted one of the mission’s objectives as having a focal point of each team to be trained and improve their capacity.
