October 13th, 2024
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, has urged Nigerians to prioritise Nigeria made goods.
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the training program for youth and women on FIIRO-developed technologies at Abuja, stating that locally produced goods meet high standards and contribute to the nation’s economic strength.
He said: “The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is committed to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological base, in alignment with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, which includes fighting poverty, driving economic growth, and fostering job creation.
“Through strategic initiatives, we leverage science, technology, and innovation (STI) to tackle poverty, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.
“Transforming our research, development, and innovation into market-ready products is essential for growth and long-term sustainability. Programs like this training help bridge the gap from research to market, generating foreign exchange and creating job opportunities.
“Programs like this enable the commercialization of research and development products, which aligns with our goals of strengthening the naira and diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
“FIIRO’s technologies support our nation’s youth and women by providing them with skills to create businesses, develop self-sufficiency, and contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.
“To meet our national goals, our ministry has established strategic partnerships, signing multiple MoUs to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources.
“By working closely with regional agencies, we utilise our nation’s resources to drive innovation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“Our Technology and Innovation Centers serve as hubs where stakeholders in the STI ecosystem come together to enhance R&D applications and foster innovation, supporting Nigeria’s movement towards industrial and economic strength, as envisioned in the President’s eight-point agenda.
“To our trainees, I encourage you to approach this program with dedication, forming innovation clusters that will promote Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy.”