FG To Deploy Science, Technology For Economic Growth

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has said it will intensify efforts to promote economic development in Nigeria by deploying Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in critical sectors.

Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Uche Nnaji said this in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open a one-day sectoral retreat on the implementation of Presidential Priorities/Ministerial Deliverables and Performance Management System (PMS) on the crucial role of STI in achieving the Eight Presidential Priorities set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation is critical to realising our national aspirations,” Chief Nnaji said. “We must work together to overcome obstacles, develop actionable plans, and deliver meaningful results,” he added.

The Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration across the entire STI ecosystem, saying, “Nigeria is blessed with abundant talent and resources. By leveraging Innovation, Science, and Technology, we can unlock new growth opportunities, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.”

He restated the importance of having a robust Performance Management System to ensure transparency, accountability and an effective feedback mechanism, adding that a robust PMS would allow efforts to translate into actual benefits for Nigerians.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Esubana Nko Asanye, said the retreat was organised “to refine our strategies, ensure robust Performance Management Systems, and drive results for fast-tracked national development.”

Also speaking, the Director General of The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi(FIIRO), Dr Adamu Tutuwa Jummai, noted that Nigeria must find appropriate pathways to move from a consumption to a production economy, stressing that no country can develop depending on products imported from other nations.

“We are always behind the Minister to see to it that the mandate of the Ministry handling our technological challenges is pursued vigorously to promote Innovation, Science and Technology geared towards”

“This retreat to us is a Clarion call to align ourselves more with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as prioritised in eight points’ areas.

“We want to assure the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary, and everyone present here that we will support this government with all our strength to ensure that these areas are properly followed to put our country on the pedestal of development,” he added.

The retreat was organised to find solutions to complex issues, improve service delivery, and strengthen administrative efficiency amid the country’s challenges.

It was also to align the efforts of STI stakeholders with the Presidential Priorities, which emphasise economic growth, social inclusion, infrastructural development, security, and good governance.