Reps Panel Seeks Taiwan’s Collaboration On Science, Tech For Devt

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering chairman, Hon. Inuwa Garba, has called for collaboration between Nigeria and Taiwan in science, engineering, and technology.

According to the lawmaker, such a partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

Garba, who said this during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Taiwan mission, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, to the National Assembly, underscored the vital role of technology in shaping modern economies.

The lawmaker noted that Nigeria, with its vast natural and human resources, stands to gain significantly from Taiwan’s expertise in technological advancement, innovation, and industrialisation.

“We appreciate the long-standing relationship between Taiwan and Nigeria, which has evolved. Taiwan is a significant partner in our country’s socio-economic development. Nigeria remains a land of opportunities, and we believe collaboration with Taiwan will bring mutual benefits,” Garba stated.

He emphasised that scientific and technological progress is central to modern economic transformation, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this era of rapid innovation.

The lawmaker pointed out that strategic partnerships in building technology, technology transfer, and scientific research would help Nigeria overcome some of its development challenges and build a stronger, knowledge-driven economy.

Garba acknowledged Nigeria’s various economic challenges, including rising inflation, economic recessions, and infrastructure deficits, but stressed that science and technology could solve many of these issues.

“The world faces economic challenges, and technology remains at the forefront of national development. We must leverage technological innovations to overcome our challenges and prosper. As a committee, we are open to partnerships and will work to ensure that such collaborations receive legislative backing,” he added.

In his remarks, Taiwan’s representative, Liu, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria.

Liu expressed optimism that Taiwan’s model of economic transformation in agriculture, energy, and mining could serve as a useful reference for Nigeria.

He reaffirmed Taiwan’s readiness to support Nigeria in building a stronger, technology-driven economy to benefit its people.

“Taiwan has no natural resources, yet we have built a strong economy through investment in education, technology, and industrial development. We admire Nigeria’s vast resources and potential and believe a partnership between our two countries would be mutually beneficial.

“We have a successful model with Australia, where for the last 20 years, delegations from both countries have worked together on structured agreements in agriculture, energy, and mining. Nigeria can adopt a similar framework, leveraging its vast natural resources while benefiting from Taiwan’s technological expertise.

“Since Nigeria transitioned to democracy in 1999, you have remained steadfast in upholding democratic values, and we admire that. Like Nigeria, Taiwan also practices democracy with free and fair elections every four years. Our shared commitment to democratic governance makes us natural partners,” he said.