FG to support STI through continuous improved  budgetary allocation  – Buhari

By Chimezie Godfrey

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has said that the Federal Government will continue to support the activities and programmes of Federal Ministry Science, Technology and Innovation through improved budgetary allocation, welfare and infrastructures to enable the system play its vital roles in catering for the livelihood of the nation.

The President who was represented  by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari,  stated this during the opening ceremony of STI EXPO,2023 with the “Theme Actualizing Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy Through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)” today in Abuja.

According to President, the purpose of the EXPO is geared towards showcasing research and development products, goods and services, for the purpose of commercialization which is in line with moving Nigeria from Consumption to Production Economy.

He further stated that no nation of the world has ever developed without of the utilization of the STI.

Muhammadu Buhari pointed that the Government has placed a special premium on the STI sector for the utilization of our local materials and personnel, and that is why the Presidential Executive Order NO. 5 was personally signed for the planning and execution of projects and promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.

To this end he emphasised, that Executive Order No.5 is an instrument that our scientists, engineers and other allied Professionals has been yearning for years, to contribute effectively in the development of Nigeria.

In line with the foregoing, the President revealed that the National Policy on welding and welding related fields was approved in November, 2022 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to fast-track industrialization and sustainable development that will encourage Nigerians towards acquiring certificates necessary for employment in the field as their foreign counterparts.

The Federal government have commenced partnership with state governments in each of the six geopolitical zones where technology and Innovation Centres have been established, which will serve as a forum of stakeholders in STI ecosystem, he added.

He then enjoined all Researchers, Investors and Innovators who participated in this year STI EXPO to be resolute as the nation have confidence in their Research and Development (R&D) output which will enhance Nigeria’s economic development and growth.

Speaking, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr.(Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, said that STI constitutes the foundation and driving force in the industrial leadership of nations and business entities as well as economic success on the global scale.

He further added that countries who have made significant progress towards sustainable economic development owe their success to investment in STI.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh said that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that STI is used to drive economic growth and development of the country due to its strategy to encourage commercialization of Research and Development products and services.