Hon. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (2nd left) Hon. Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (right) Chief of staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (left), Hon. Minister of Environment Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi (2nd right) Hon. Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba (3rd right) and others during the Opening Ceremony of the 7th Edition of Science Technology and Innovation EXPO 2023 at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

To boost industrialization of Nigeria through science and technology, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the determination of his administration to inject 0.5 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation

This, the President said will strengthen scientific inventions, innovations and provide the foundation needed for the overall development of the economy to enable Nigeria meet up with the rest of the world

President Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari stated this at the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the STI Exposition in Abuja.

Recalled that at the 5th edition of the Techno-Expo in 2021 held in fulfilment of the directive of the African Union Executive Council in 2006 to all its member states, it was agreed  to set aside 1 percent of GDP for investment in Research and Development (R&D) in order to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth.

Declaring Federal Government’s resolve on the 0.5% commitment, the President said “At this juncture, 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 Research and Development (R&D) in order to fast track meaningful development.”

The Federal Government according to him “will continue to support the activities and programmes of the Ministry through improved budgetary allocation, welfare and infrastructures to enable the system play its vital roles in catering for the livelihood of the nation.

“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” adding that no nation has ever developed without the utilization of the STI.

President Buhari also revealed that the federal government has placed a special premium on the STI sector for the utilization of local materials and personnel, saying that, “that is why the Presidential Executive Order NO. 5 was expeditiously signed for the planning and execution of projects and promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology”

The Executive Order No.5 he said “is an instrument that our scientists, engineers and other allied Professionals have been yearning for years, to contribute effectively in the development of Nigeria.

“National Policy on 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” he said

President Buhari also said his government has commenced partnership with state governments in each of the 6 geopolitical zones where technology and Innovation Centres have been established to serve as a forum of stakeholders in the STI ecosystem

The President tasked 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 on the award for the 2023 young scientist at the event, President Buhari  congratulated the winners of this year’s 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774-YONSPA)”

He commended the creativity of the Young Scientists on their competitive spirit towards their “academic pursuit to become future scientists, engineers and technologists to better the lots of our nation. I am pleased to announce that the candidates who emerged first, second and third respectively in the final examination of the recently concluded 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award Competition have all been granted full scholarship up to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level in any science-related discipline of their choice in any of our universities.

“It has been the practice of my Administration as we do award scholarships since the maiden edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo in 2017, to the three best students.”

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

The Minister stated that countries who have made significant progress towards sustainable economic development owe their success to investment in STI.

On his part, 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.

The one week Expo is being attended by stakeholders in the STI sector with each displaying locally fabricated equipment and finished products for sale