Tag: tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration will henceforth dedicate 0.5 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Research and Development (R&D) to fast-track national development.

The President said this is in tandem with a 2006 decision of the African Union Executive Council for all member-states to target one per cent of their GDP investment in R&D.

He said dedicating 0.5 per cent of the GDP is meant to improve innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

President Tinubu spoke at the Science, Technology and Innovation expo yesterday in Abuja.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said: “It is pertinent to state that welding plays a critical role in strengthening our economy through its deployment and utilisation in manufacturing, science and technology, and oil and gas.

“Therefore, we would promote the application of the National Policy on Welding and Welding-Related Fields, approved by the government in 2022, to improve the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria, hasten innovation, lessen unemployment and reduce capital flight.

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“Government will provide an enabling environment for the establishment of National Centres for Training in Welding and Welding-Related Fields (Centres of Excellence) in the six geopolitical zones of the country for training, re-training, evaluation and certification of persons in the practice of welding and welding-related fields.

“To make this a reality, I wish to direct the Federal Ministries of Finance and National Budget and Economic Planning to provide the required funds and modalities for the commencement of these centres.

“I am aware that the Federal Government, at the fifth edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2021, declared that ‘in tandem with the decision made by the African Union Executive Council in 2006 to establish a target for all members states of one per cent of GDP investment in Research and Development (R&D) to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth, therefore, we want to reiterate that having come to terms with the challenges of this critical sector of the economy, we will henceforth dedicate 0.5 per cent of our GDP to R&D to fast track meaningful development’.

“It is also on record that the previous government of my predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, made a significant effort in actualising this by communicating the decision of dedicating 0.5 per cent of our GDP to Research and Development to the National Economic Council to come up with modalities in achieving this noble intention of government.

“As a government, we would intensify our efforts in drawing the National Economic Council’s attention to hasten this dream’s actualisation to strengthen the Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) sector…”

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf has urged President Bola Tinubu to open land borders to enhance food security in the country.

Kabir-Yusuf said this when he hosted the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday in Kano.

The governor, who decried the harsh economic condition Nigerians are passing through, noted that reopening of the borders would check inflation and lead to a reduction in the prices of foodstuffs.

“We wish to appreciate the President’s intervention in the ongoing national food initiative.

“He considers Kano as the host for the initiative ahead of its planned launch, believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity, if implemented.

“Another immediate intervention that can make food available and affordable to our population is for the Federal Government to consider the reopening of the borders and allow free importation of commodities,” he said.

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Stressing the need to reopen the borders, Kabir-Yusuf lauded the Customs’ food distribution scheme, calling for proactive measures to guard against diversion of the commodities.

The governor pledged his administration’s continued support to the service to enable it discharge its mandate effectively.

Adeniyi had called for effective synergy between the NCS and the Kano community, saying the service was committed to deeper collaboration and mutual understanding.

The Customs boss pledged to implement policies that would refine business processes and foster engagements with stakeholders.

NAN reports that Adeniyi also interacted with members of the business community and other stakeholders in the state.

The Customs boss reiterated commitment to address food insecurity and hardship in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that his administration would henceforth dedicate 0.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Research and Development (R&D) to fast-track meaningful development.

The president said this is in tandem with the decision made by the African Union Executive Council in 2006 to establish a target for all member states of 1% of GDP investment in Research and Development (R&D).

He said dedicating 0.5% of the GDP is to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth because the administration has come to terms with the challenges of this critical sector of the economy.

Tinubu said as a government, he would intensify efforts in drawing the National Economic Council’s attention to hasten the dream of actualisation to strengthen the Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Sector.

The President submitted on March 11, in Abuja at the Science, Technology and Innovation expo.

President Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume said the government would promote the application of the National Policy on Welding and Welding Related Fields to hasten innovation, lessen unemployment and reduce capital flight.

He said: “It is pertinent to state that welding plays a critical role in strengthening our economy through its deployment and utilization in manufacturing, science and technology, and oil and gas. Therefore, we would promote the application of the National Policy on Welding and Welding Related Fields approved by the Government in 2022 to improve the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria, hasten innovation, lessen unemployment and reduce capital flight.

“Government will provide an enabling environment for the establishment of National Centres for Training in Welding and Welding Related Fields (Centers of Excellence) in the Six Geopolitical Zones of the country for training, re-training, evaluation and certification of persons in the practice of welding and welding-related fields. To make this a reality, I wish to direct the Federal Ministries of Finance and National Budget and Economic Planning to provide the required funds and modalities for the commencement of these centres.

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“I am aware that the Federal Government, at the 5th edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2021, declared that “in tandem with the decision made by the African Union Executive Council in 2006 to establish a target for all members states of 1% of GDP investment in Research and Development (R&D) to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth, therefore, we want to reiterate that having come to terms with the challenges of this critical sector of the economy, we will henceforth dedicate 0.5% of our GDP to R&D to fast track meaningful development.

“It is also on record that the previous Government of my predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR made a significant effort in actualising this by communicating the decision of dedicating 0.5% of our GDP to Research and Development to the National Economic Council to come up with modalities in achieving this noble intention of Government. As a government, we would intensify our efforts in drawing the National Economic Council’s attention to hasten this dream’s actualisation to strengthen the Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Sector.

“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, to match words with actions, on the assumption of duty as the President, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Cuba to enhance collaboration between the two countries on science and technology. The areas of cooperation covered by the bilateral agreement include biotechnology, scientific investigation and innovation, technological development, human resources development, specialist exchange in science and technology, and technology transfer for development areas.

“I would like to reiterate that with our Renewed Hope Agenda, Innovation, Science and Technology as crucial apparatus for modern-day socio-economic advancement will continue to receive our support in the promotion and utilisation of innovations and inventions carried out through local Research & Development to enhance indigenous capacity and capability in tandem with the provisions of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 (2018). The Order unarguably places Nigerian professionals and manufacturers at the centre of the Nigerian economy. Hence, it serves as an instrument to midwife a new renaissance for transforming our economy from consumption to production driven by innovation.”

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji said over the years, Nigeria has shown promising signs of a bright future by using Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as a driving force for its abundant natural and human resources.

He said however that for the potential to fully blossom, the country needs a supportive work environment that encourages applying the skills gained through STI.

He added: “Looking at the experiences of Japan and some other Asian countries is helpful, as these countries have invested significantly in their economies’ Research and Development (R&D) sector, and we can see the positive impact it has on their solid economic positions globally. The theme of this year’s Expo emphasizes the importance of learning from such examples and implementing strategic measures to harness the potential of STI for overcoming our economic challenges.

“Our nation finds itself at a juncture where the integration of Science, Technology, and Innovation is not just a choice but a necessity. The current economic landscape demands a paradigm shift, and the Ministry’s role becomes crucial in steering this transformative journey. As a result, the Nigerian Government approved the Revised Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.

“This Policy, when properly implemented, has the power to completely transform the Nigerian STI ecosystem as it provides the appropriate channel for the fundamental re-orientation of Nigerians as well as a pathway for the socio-economic development that will usher Nigeria to its rightful place among the comity of nations. I must say this: under the Renewed Hope Agenda and visionary leadership of our esteemed.”

The presidency on Sunday night, foreclosed the possibility of a cabal taking control of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, like it had been seen in the past.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who gave this assurance during an interview on TVC News Sunday Politics, also blamed the escalating insecurity in some parts of the north on the activities of those he described as “sub-regional forces”, who are working against the stability of the country.

Ngelale was reacting to various issues that have raised topics in the media in recent times, including the state of the economy, the effects of the negative activities of past government officials, the security and the multifaceted efforts of the Tinubu administration to straighten things out.

Reacting to the possibility of some very influential officials in the current administration, wielding the sort of influence that might allow them to mismanage and abuse public office, the effect of which might linger after the administration, Ngelale said President Tinubu is not that sort of leader, explaining that the he (Tinubu) has not left room for such influence by any official to hijack his government.

“The good fortune we have is that we elected, not just a professional accountant, a professional auditor, but we elected a man who fully understands the governance mechanisms, not just at the federal level, but at sub-national level. I think this is a man who anyone working in the office of the President would tell you, there is not one individual in the Presidency that has a monopoly over what the President sees, hears and reads. Nobody has that kind of power in the office of this President and that’s intentional.

“He is someone who everyone has access to, everyone who needs to have access to him, has access to him. He has direct communications on a frequent basis with the heads of intelligence agencies, anti-graft agencies, and the like. So there is not going to be the potential there for anyone to form a cabal around this President because he’s aware of the dynamics of what has happened in the past and he is determined to ensure that that is not replicated under his watch.

“I will also add the fact that in the person of the current CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, this is a man who is reputed around the world as being a prudent manager of men and resources. This is someone who has a reputation, even within the government, of being tight fisted and that is by the intention of President Bola Tinubu to have someone like that in place.

“I would also add that when you look at organizational structures that lead to Governor Emefiele, … put him in the position that he currently is in, the President has taken a comprehensive review of that structure and he has said, even by legislation, that we are going to ensure that not only guardrails are put in place, but that legislative changes be enacted in such a way that this can never happen again.

“He’s determined to do it, Nigerians will watch him do it and that will mean that moving forward, the kind of elite conspiracy we saw between CBN officials, high ranking government officials and high ranking members of the private sector, they’re not going to be able to conspire amongst themselves to find loopholes within the system because we have a President who’s an auditor and accountant, who will close those loopholes, just the way he did in Lagos State many years ago”, he said.

Speaking to the issue of the security situation in the country, especially in the north, Ngelale alleged that there are some sub-regional and geopolitical forces working against the stability of the country, he however noted that the government will continue working on finding solutions through collaborations.

The Presidential spokesman, who further gave insight into plans to ensure peace and stability in all parts of the country, said those currently conspiring to rob the nation of security, through sub-regional conspiracies would be made to face the wrath of the law.

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“First of all, the President has been very clear that this is an administration of no excuses. If you look at other parts of the countries that were in flames before he took office, such as the Southeast and parts of the Southwest for example, you will know the level of work that has gone into securing our nation.

“Where we still have some challenges is in the north central in the northwest and to a lesser extent in the Northeast. There’s still a lot of work to be done along the Kaduna axis. Remember the time when you could not travel by road on the Abuja-Kaduna highway? Now, you’re able to do that.

“Now the problem is when you have these far-flung communities, we do have these hit-and-run incidences of not just violence and killings, but obviously kidnappings and hostage-taking.

“But I will say this, across the north, we understand that some of the sub-regional forces, sub-regional, geopolitical forces that are currently at play are actively conspiring against the stability of the Nigerian nation.

“We understand that and we are not sleeping on that. We are responding to it, and we’re doing it in a way that is concerted with our neighbors and it is worth noting that the United States government has also pledged its assistance to ensure that there is a full return of all of the school children who are kidnapped recently in Kaduna.

“But the point is, we are going to continue to intensify our collaboration, not just within the region, but internationally to make sure that some of the regional actors that are conspiring against our nation are brought to justice ultimately silenced in the future of our country”, he said.

Meanwhile, Ngelale has revealed that President Tinubu will launch the highly anticipated student loan scheme on Thursday, he said “later this week, on Thursday, the President will launch the historic National Student Loan Programme”.