The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has assured that Nigeria will domesticate and specialise on sophisticated technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), through reverse-engineering.
Reverse-engineering is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product, following detailed examination of its construction or composition.
He made this known when he inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee for the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the FMSTI and Aeronautic Ltd (now Wise Guide Technology Nig. Ltd) in Abuja.
Onu said the purpose of the memorandum is basically for research and development in the area of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
According to him, the ministry will incorporate an inter-ministerial committee that will pioneer the implementation of that memorandum of understanding through research and development.
Onu added that for Nigeria to be self reliant, she has to take her own destiny into her hands, looking inwards and developing the country’s home products.
The benefit of being self-reliant, he said, cannot be overemphasized, as it will help create jobs, wealth and reduce extreme poverty.
The minister assured the committee that FMSTI will continue to research, until the country domesticates her own technology and innovation, to improve the country’s home-grown products and agriculture, security, as well as oil and gas sectors.
He charged the members of the committee to give their best and be done with the work within two weeks.
Earlier, Mr. Yahaya Isa, who spoke on behalf of the committee chairman, said the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA), was thinking ahead of time, especially with the establishment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) department.
He assured the ministry and Nigerians that the committee will do its uttermost to deliver on its set objectives.
