FG insists on commercialisation of research works to create jobs

The federal government has called for commercialisation of research outcomes to boost job creation for the teeming population. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, during a facility tour of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), said there is a need for more funding of research, development and technology institutions as well as commercialisation of research in the country.

The minister said many of the researched products such as cassava and plantain flour, much of which is imported, could be produced locally to create more jobs and conserve the foreign exchange spent on importation of raw materials.

He said the country needs innovation, science and technology for economic development, noting that more investment would ensure the researched products see the light of the day.

Nnaji also called on investors to patronise locally produced goods and equipment for the development of the country, adding that such an effort would create more job opportunities and boost revenue for the country.

The Director General, FIIRO, Dr Jummai Tutuwa, said innovation and technology hold sway in issues of national development, noting that the institute has been at the forefront of boosting innovative research on available raw materials, both agro-based and mineral-excluding oil.

Tutuwa said the institute has also developed over 250 research and development technologies and has completely packaged 100 of them for immediate transfer.