The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria has called for greater investment in science, technology and innovation (STI) to propel sustainable development across Nigeria.
This call was made during the 2024 International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (STIConf 2024), organised by the Welcome2Nigeria Project in partnership with OFAB Nigeria.
In his comments, the programme officer, OFAB Nigeria chapter, Mr. Abraham Isah emphasised the organisation’s contributions to biotechnology in the agricultural sector and the need for collaborative efforts to advance science and technology. He outlined a roadmap for leveraging technological advancements to achieve national growth and prosperity, underscoring the importance of collective action among various sectors.
“Agricultural biotechnology has already demonstrated its potential to boost productivity and food security in Nigeria, but much more can be achieved with greater investment in research and development,” Isah stated. He further called for a robust partnership between government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector to accelerate technological progress.
Executive secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Sharubutu echoed Isah’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of agricultural innovations. He pointed out that modern agricultural practices, such as precision farming and biotechnology, have the capacity to significantly increase crop yields and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imports.
“To achieve sustainable food security, we must invest in research and development that harnesses the power of science and technology,” Sharubutu remarked. “Our agricultural sector holds the potential not only to feed our nation but also to drive economic growth.” He called for a comprehensive agricultural innovation ecosystem, involving collaboration between the government, private sector and research institutions, to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agriculture.
Executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida focused on the future of telecommunications in Nigeria and its role in the country’s digital transformation. Maida emphasised the rapid advancements in telecommunications technology, particularly 5G networks, and their potential to revolutionise sectors such as healthcare, education and commerce.
“Telecommunications is the backbone of our digital economy,” Maida explained. “The deployment of 5G technology will usher in a new era of connectivity, enabling innovations that were once considered impossible.” He highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while ensuring data privacy and security. Maida also urged policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to collaborate in building a resilient telecommunications infrastructure that can support Nigeria’s ambitions of becoming a leading digital economy.
The conference, themed “Economic Diversification, Creating Wealth, Advancing National Development through STI Commercialisation: Challenges and Opportunities,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss how science and technology can drive economic diversification and wealth creation. It featured several panel discussions and workshops, providing participants with a platform to share best practices, knowledge and emerging trends in STI.
Esteemed dignitaries, including executive secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono; National commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji and director-general of the Nigerian Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Engr. Umar Hassan participated in the conference, underscoring the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in fostering innovation and national development.
The event concluded with a call for sustained investment in science, technology and innovation to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth across various sectors.
