The National Assembly (NASS) committees on science, research institutes, engineering and innovation, have reaffirmed their commitment to support Research, Development, Innovation and Commercialisation (RDIC) in the country.
The lawmakers gave their commitment at the 22nd edition of the National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) in Abuja.
The three-day meeting had its theme as: “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity.”
It had in attendance the Federal Ministry of STI, State Commissioners of STI, state Permanent Secretaries, parastatals and agencies under the ministry, government research institutions, among other participants.
The Chairman, Senate Committee Chairman on STI, Sen. Aminu Abbas, said the country needed to translate research and innovation into tangible solutions for the people through commercialisation.
Abbas said: “I will always give my support for the commercialisation of our innovations, we shouldn’t just abandon them in the lab.
“We should do whatever it takes to ensure we take it to the market, and that is the only way our people will now have the benefit of innovation.”
The lawmaker said the Senate remained committed to supporting science and technology institutions across the country.
Dr. Timehin Adelegbe, of House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, said the lower legislative chamber aligned itself with President Bola Tinubu’s dreams in the science and technology sector.
Adelegbe said as law makers, they were critical to realising strategic national goals.
“We must continue to dream for a better future and work collaboratively to achieve our goals because the progress requires structure, commitment and a shared vision.
“By investing wisely and acting without desperation, we can build trust through truth, freedom and fairness,” he said.
The Chairman, House Committee on STI, Rep. Zakariya Zannah acknowledged that through the cycle of RDIC, Nigeria’s vast potential could be unlocked, enhance global competitiveness and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Represented by Mr Ukachukwu Chidiebere, Clerk of the House of Representatives, Zannah said that RDIC plays a crucial role in steering the direction of innovation landscape.
“This meeting does not only provide a platform to reveal our achievements, but also to reflect on the challenges that exist.
“More importantly, it is a platform to identify innovative solutions that will accelerate our journey towards national prosperity.
“Our world is evolving and it is an unprecedented place driven by groundbreaking advancement in science and technology.
“We must continue to foster an ecosystem where research and development are not only prioritised but also seamlessly transitioned into commercialised ventures that create jobs, drive industry and address our needs,” he said.
According to him, through strategic partnerships between government, academia, industry and the private sector that the country can harness the transformative power of innovation.
He enjoined all stakeholders to remain committed to policy and strategies that would promote seamless integration of innovation into all sectors of the economy.
According to him, each innovation holds the potential to improve lives, create opportunities and build a more prosperous future for the nation’s children and generations to come.
“I reaffirm the House of Representatives unwavering commitment to supporting the NCIST in this course to propel Nigeria towards a knowledge driven economy.
“We stand ready to collaborate, provide legislative backing and advocate for necessary resources to transform our nation into a global leader in innovation and technology,” he said.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Engineering, Inuwa Garba advocated leveraging on STI as means of diversifying the economy and fighting insecurity.
Garba urged the Council to come up with strategic resolutions that would strengthen Nigeria’s scientific and technological capabilities. .
