FG promises support for scientific innovations | The Guardian Nigeria News

Ogbonnaya Onu

The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the development of important scientific innovations in the country.

The minister, who said this when opening the 19th National Science, Technology and Innovation Council yesterday in Abuja, said the government would provide its support through friendly policies, including ensuring the harmony of research efforts between different research institutions.

The theme of the council was “Investing in Research and Development: A Necessary Tool to Improve the Nigerian Economy”.

Onu noted that efforts would be made to review current Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies to meet the needs of the 21st century.

He said Nigeria is determined to become a major global player in space technology, noting that it was the first sub-Saharan African country to launch and develop space technology.

Onu claimed that the ministry’s research institutes and agencies would continue to innovate to enable farmers to get more agricultural yields and reduce post-harvest losses.

He stressed the need for the country to be independent, to patronize local goods and services, to promote exports and to maintain a favorable trade balance.

Earlier, in his message of goodwill, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Science and Research Institutions of the House of Representatives, Jafaru Mohammed, said more efforts would be made in scientific innovation while recognizing the synergy between the scientific ecosystem in Nigeria.

Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, David Nieves Velásquez Caraballo, who described the development of STI in Nigeria as a positive development, pledged that his country would continue to work closely with Nigeria for mutual benefit in many areas, including STI.



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