The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that the country is making concerted efforts to have a higher per capita income and increased annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the development of Science, Technology and Innovation.
He made this known when he received the new ECOWAS Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture, Dr. Hamadu Jao and his team in his office in Abuja.
The minister added that to improve the economy and raise the Gross Domestic Product of the nation, the Federal Government would be working with top entrepreneurs in the country to help in commercialising its various research findings.
“Converting our research findings to products will ensure job creation, reduce poverty and boost the economy,” he said.
The minister added that the move was part of the ministry’s efforts to collaborate with other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government towards diversifying the nation’s economy from oil in the past, in line with the policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
While congratulating Jao over his recent appointment, Onu also commiserated with the people and government of Guinea-Bissau and ECOWAS over the demise of Jao’s immediate predecessor, Prof. Leopoldo Amado.
Jao, who acknowledged the key role Nigeria plays in the development of science and technology in the sub-region, said he and his team were in the ministry for introductions, consolidate on the existing relationship between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau and seek support for the meeting of ECOWAS’ Ministers for Science and Technology to be hosted by Nigeria in 2022.
