Imported User:
Prof. Ita Ewa, the Minister of Science and Technology, on in Abuja on Thursday said that the ministry had saved N16 billion between May 2011 and March 2012.
Ewa said that the money was saved through technology transfer agreements between Nigerian entrepreneurs and their technical partners abroad.
He made this known at the ministerial press briefing as part of activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day and President Goodluck Jonathan’s one year anniversary in office.
``Technology transfer agreements between Nigerian entrepreneurs and their technical partners abroad during the period of May 2011 to March 2012 saved the nation over N16 billion,’’ he said.
The minister said that no fewer than 207 technology transfer agreements were submitted to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
According to him, NOTAP has so far registered 162 out of the 207 agreements.
Ewa said that the ministry transferred 20 technologies to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) on weekly basis through training.
He said the training included new technologies in the production of instant pounded yam floor, fruit juice production, cassava products such as instant fufu flour and baking confectioneries.
The minister noted that prototype equipment had been completed for rural people to ensure the mass production of some cassava products
He said that the equipment included tapioca roaster, cow pea dehuller, cassava slicer, cassava peeler, okro slicer and extruder.
Ewa urged Nigerians to patronise locally-made food products, adding that it had been processed with adequate nutrients.
He said that Lagos State Government had already adopted the locally-made biscuits and drinks for its school feeding programme.
``This snacks and drinks are based on local raw materials from non wheat, it will meet one third of the recommended dietary allowance of children between the ages of five to 12 years.
``The Ready-to-Eat therapeutic diet has been planned for the telemedicine project to meet the need of treatment and management of malnutrition. ’’
He added that the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, had also produced NEEM soaps and Dentifrice.
``This production is developed from the abundant seeds of neem, the soap and dentifrice have bactericidal properties. ’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dentifrice are agents used to clean and polish natural teeth.
The minister also urged the Ministry of Defence to partner with the Nigerian Institute for Leather and Science Technology to produce boots for the military.
Ewa said that the institute was capable of producing high quality foot wear to meet the demand of Nigerians.
