The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to implement Executive Order No 05 to bolster economy, create jobs, reduce poverty, and usher in a brighter future for Nigeria.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday on readiness for and implementation of Presidential Executive Order No.5 in Abuja.
The Minister explained that the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 will address challenges by providing support for Made-in-Nigeria Goods and Services(MNGS), the development of homegrown capability, and the capacity to maintain, redesign, reproduce, rededicate, and duplicate any infrastructure built in Nigeria for self-reliance and development.
“The order also seeks to closely monitor and promote the capacity of Nigerian professionals and contractors in Science, Engineering, and Technological programs to compete with their counterparts globally.”
He said the strategic Implementation Task Office of the Executive Order (SITOPEo. 5) will operationalize these objectives with its Presidential Monitoring and Evaluation Council.
“The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion(NOTAP) also maintains a database of Nigerian professionals for project execution.”
He therefore reiterated that as part of the broader strategy, various policies and programs are in place at advanced stages of finalization such as the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development
“This strategy facilitates shifting from an oil and gas-dependent economy to harnessing diverse raw materials and other resources for high-quality Made-in-Nigeria products for local consumption and export.”
“National Leather and Leather Products Policy (NLLPP) aims to reposition Nigeria’s leather industry, shifting from raw material export to producing high-quality finished leather products.”
“Our national policy on the welding agenda addresses the influx of foreign welding personnel and promotes the training and certification of Nigerian welders as per global standards. This programme will extend to other Artisans’ areas too as we move to standardize service delivery in the artisanal, technical and vocational spaces.”
“The methanol economy revolution seeks to harness the vast potential of methanol as a clean and sustainable energy source and position the nation as a leader in Africa’s energy transition.”
“It can potentially create over 40 million new employment opportunities in 2 years and complement other efforts in curbing the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the populace.”
“Technology and Innovation Centres was also created to unify stakeholders in the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem, these centres aim to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge economy.” He said.
Nnaji further added that the promotion of Locally Invented Digital Addressing Technology will initiative address the critical need for efficient navigation and addressing systems for both governance and daily activities.
“The Nigeria National Innovation Commercialization Programme (Nicpy), will foster scientific research and technological innovation, commercialization and mainstreaming the Made-in-Nigeria goods and services. NICP drives economic growth and development by supporting the transformation of innovative ideas into viable products and services
“Clean Technology Programme as Climate Change is a global challenge requiring urgent action. This initiative will promote homegrown StartUp. and MSMEs innovatively tackling this problem with cutting-edge technologies, products and services, especially in the Energy Transition and Renewables space
“Manufacturing Nigeria initiative will raise Nigeria’s Manufacturing capacity by tackling the primary bottlenecks mitigating Againg, manufacturing in Nigeria mainly, Dedicated Power; locally made Machines and Spares; and Technical Knowledge. Through this initiative, we will seek to considerably increase Nigeria’s export earnings and GDp with emphasis on Green Manufacturing and Technology.” He added.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then