The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said the 2018 technology, innovation expo is intended as part of Federal Government commitment to stimulate technological inventions, innovations as well as research and development for the purpose of commercialization.
Dr Onu Said this in Abuja at a press briefing to inform the public of the 2018 Expo scheduled to hold from 5th -9th March, 2018 with the theme “fast-tracking sustainable development of Nigeria through science and Technology.”
He said “the Expo is packaged to bring together researchers, inventors and innovators with the overall aim of bringing into focus the innovative capacity both in the research institutes, universities and industrial laboratories as well as in the informal sector of the economy.”
According to the minister, theme of the Expo “Science, Technology and Innovation for Nigeria’s Economic Diversification” was chosen to showcase the centrality of Science and Technology in industrialization. It underlined the importance of supporting local production towards “Made-in-Nigeria” drive of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The Minister recalled that the 2017 Expo exposed some inventions and innovations to investors who assisted in commercializing some of the research products.
“I am happy to inform you that one of our research products has been the high-density nutrient biscuits produced by NASCO Food Ltd. Jos and is now available in the open Nigerian market for the use of both adults and children”, he said.
Speaking further, Dr Onu said that “some inventions in the area of health care delivery have been taken over for commercialization by the giant pharmaceutical company, May and Baker. The finished product will be in the market in few months’ time. We expect many more to be commercialized before long”.
