Investors in Nigeria and outside the country have been called upon to utilize the numerous opportunities in the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi[FIIRO], the National Board for Technology Incubation[NBI] to galvanize the economy.
The Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji who was on a tour of some major agencies under his Ministry said at the end of facility tour of the research institution FIIRO that there are so many research products on the shelves which has neither been touched nor utilized.
“If Nigerians can concentrate on bringing out these research products, we can change overnight”. Re-emphasizing the need of innovation, science and technology in moving the country forward, he stressed that “moving this country forward, you need innovation, science and technology”, adding that “we are the focus of economic development, there are no two ways about it”.
“That is why I keep praying that more money be allocated to places like FIIRO so that those researches can see the light of the day”.
He also advised manufacturers and importers of industrial machines against wasting foreign exchange by importing machines because there are quality machines at FIIRO. “They should look in first. We have solid durable machines here. They should look into FIIRO and many of these other agencies under me before going outside to import. Many of those machines they import does not even last”.
Speaking at the NBTI Facility in Agege Lagos, chief Geoffrey Nnaji unveiled plans to establish an indigenous lithium battery factory. “This move is designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign production and foster the local manufacturing of vital energy storage components”.
Speaking with journalists, the minister said, “I just visited the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi, Lagos, and now the Technology Incubation Centre in Agege. I’m observing a significant incubation of industrialists in this space”.
“They have trained over 1,000 individuals—bringing them in, providing training, incubating them, and then facilitating their transition to their respective businesses. This process has resulted in the emergence of numerous millionaires”.
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The minister disclosed that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there’s an acknowledgment that more needs to be accomplished. He stated that all ministers are driven by the directive, emphasizing the need for heightened efforts across agencies and job creation.
“People should just cool down. In my ministry alone, considering the projects on the ground, people will have reasons to smile. For the first time in this country, we are establishing a lithium battery factory in Nigeria”.
“No longer will other countries come, extract our raw lithium, manufacture it abroad, and then bring the finished products back here. We are putting a stop to that. Plans are underway to establish a lithium processing factory within Nigeria and a lithium repurposing factory. Very soon, Nigeria will start seeing results,” he added.
Various business groups, including the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, were present during the official visit to Agege.
“With a president from the private sector, there is a serious commitment to generating power, even leveraging solar energy. Just last week, during a visit to the Abuja Technology Village with the FCT Minister, we discussed transforming it into a global technology city, comparable to Silicon Valley,” he added.
The Director General FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa said innovation and technology hold sway in issues of national development, noting that the institute has been at the forefront of boosting innovative researches on all the available raw materials in Nigeria, both agro-based and mineral excluding oil, which has yielded positive solutions. Tutuwa said the Institute has developed over 250 research and development technologies and have completely packaged over 100 of them ready for immediate transfer.
In her speech, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Patricia Chukwu, said the Technology Incubation Centre in Lagos stands as a testament to the commitment to nurturing and empowering bright minds in society.
Chukwu remarked that it serves as a hub where ideas flourish, dreams take shape, and innovations come to life.
She noted that technology plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, and health concerns, and enhancing digital connectivity.“It is undeniable that in the swiftly changing landscape of today’s world, progress heavily relies on technological advancements”.
“Whether in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, or blockchain, the potential is boundless. Yet, to actualize these opportunities fully, we must adopt a culture that champions innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship,” the DG stated.