Science policy’ll save Nigeria N3.5trn, boost economy -Onu

By Usman Shuaibu

The National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials is designed to build domestic capacity in Nigeria’s bid for a diversified economy.
The Minister of Science and Technology said the policy will save Nigeria N3.6 trillion and create employment for 4.4 million people within five years of its effective implementation.
Dr. Onu said this while addressing World Press Conference on Friday 23, November 2018, in Abuja.
“It is a Landmark effort that will enable Nigeria conserve Science scarce foreign by stimulating global competiveness, of our raw materials”.
In the health sector, the Minister said the Ministry through its agency, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, has initiated bold steps in the management of sickle cell anemia in partnership with May & Baker Pharmaceuticals Limited. He said the Therapeutic Food Supplement produced through partnership is a wonderful new approach to managing the disease. The food Supplement, if properly used, will prevent patients from relapsing into crises situations.
He further said that the industrial enzimes developed and produced by FIRRO could be used by the food industry thereby saving Nigeria enormous foreign exchange.
Research Institutes are now to partner with Industries in order to make their findings relevant to national needs, Dr.Onu added.
Dr. Onu said the Ministry will soon hold a confab with bastions of industry to explore areas of collaboration between research institutes and industry.
Dr. Onu canvassed the need for Scientists to tap into the Humanities and the Social Sciences so as to benefits the country.
According to the Minister, Nigeria is making slow but steady march in promoting research and stimulating innovation to bring about growth in the national economy.
Dr. Onu further said that the Leather Products Policy unveiled by the Ministry will promote leather technology and help accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization process.
According to him, “It will strengthen our capacity to convert our capacity to convert our rich agricultural products into visible goods and services for both domestic consumption and export”.
Dr. Onu said further that agencies under the Ministry are working closely with the Armed Forces, adding that “we are determined to help solve some of the problems and overcome of the challenges confronting our Armed Forces”.