FG to Honour Scientists, Researchers - Minister

The Minister of State for STI, Henry Ikoh has said the Federal Government will reward scientists and researchers for successful commercialization of research and innovation initiatives.

This information is included in a statement made on Tuesday in Abuja by Josephine Ademu, the ministry's chief information officer.

Ikoh made this statement on Tuesday in Bauchi during the North-East zonal dialogue on the construction of technology and innovation centres.

Ikoh was quoted by Ademu as saying that the Federal Government's gesture was made to foster an environment that would draw women and children to the field of research and innovation.

According to the minister, this is consistent with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, the 2022 STI policy, and the FARI declarations from Abuja, where it was stated that researchers, inventors, and innovators would be protected by the necessary legal frameworks.

“We shall work tirelessly to remove all obstacles and close all gaps so as to encourage cooperation and collaboration among research and development institutions and the Organised Private Sector.

“This would ensure that there is a cordial relationship among critical stakeholders within the STI ecosystem in the country,” Ikoh said.

According to the minister, doing so would lower production costs, ensure supply-chain stability, and stabilise currency problems.

Additionally, it would offer a strong base for inclusive, sustainable industrialization that promoted national growth.

When fully executed, Executive Order 5, according to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and his deputy Baba Tela, will significantly lessen consumer demand for imported items.

According to Mohammed, the Order's execution would support 100 million direct and indirect jobs in the nation and advance indigenous technical advancement.

Ibiam Oguejiofor, the National Coordinator for the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order 5, said that shifting the narratives of the Nigerian economy from one based on consumption to one based on production was a task that needed to be accomplished jointly.