Success Nwankwo
President Bola Tinubu, has disclosed his intention to set up National centers for Training and Welding to provide individuals with welding practice certification, evaluation, and training throughout the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
This was disclosed at the opening of the 2024 Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja on recently.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said, the President authorised the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Budget and Economic Planning to provide the necessary funding for the development of the centres.
He acknowledged the essentiality of welding to the expansion of Nigeria’s economy, and stated that “We would promote the application of the national policy on welding and welding-related fields approved by the government in 2022,”
He recalled that his government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Cuba upon taking office in order to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations.
He stated that biotechnology, scientific innovation and inquiry, technological development, human resource development, specialised exchange in science and technology, and technology transfer were the areas of collaboration covered by the bilateral agreement.
In response, Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, reminded the audience that the administration of previous President Muhammadu Buhari allotted at least 0.5% of the country’s GDP to research and development.
“By allocating a specific percentage of the country’s income to research and development, the government is proactively investing in the foundations of sustainable economic growth.
“This financial commitment underscores the understanding that continuous productivity and sustainable industrial development are contingent on advancements in STI,” the minister said.