A Bill for the establishment of the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition and Promotion to continuously monitor the inflow of foreign products and technology to Nigeria on Wednesday passed second reading in the House of Representatives at the Plenary
The bill seeks to leverage the huge and active Nigerian population to create jobs for youths, process raw materials into finished goods/products, as well as increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and transfer technology to Nigeria.
Speaking, Clement Jimbo, in his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, said that the overriding principle behind the introduction of this bill is to ensure regular value addition to the country’s solid mineral exploration.
He further explained it was triggered by the need to create sustainable jobs for our teeming youths.
He added that the “Bill also seeks to jack up our GDP and increase our revenue base through foreign exchange.
Jimbo who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State pointed out that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said over 200 million cell phones, over 500,000 solar systems, over 12 million cars, millions of cameras, microphones, laptops and remote controls are currently in use in Nigeria.
He said all the above-listed products have one thing in common which is batteries. He added that the major ingredient in the production of batteries is the solid mineral lithium.
He pointed out that a German foreign broadcasting company, Deutsche Welle DW says lithium has been discovered in large quantities in Nigeria and Abuja, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, and Cross River.
According to him, “the Minister of Solid Mineral, Mr Dele Alake said ‘we will do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition. This statement is in sync with the intendment of this bill Mr. Speaker,” he said.
Addressing reporters after the plenary on Wednesday, the lawmaker stressed the need for speedy passage of the bill, which he said would lead to a better life for Nigerians.
He said in compliance with relevant sections of the standing orders of the House as amended, the proposed bill has no financial Implication when passed into law.
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