NOTAP DG Advocates Collaboration Amongst Govt. Agencies for Economic Growth

Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim, director general of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has advocated for closer collaboration amongst government regulatory agencies to enhance Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), technology transfer and economic growth of the country.

He made the call when he led a delegation of NOTAP Management on a courtesy visit to Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Dr. Ibrahim said Industries in Nigeria operate under harsh environment and there is need to encourage those who are willing to invest in the country and transfer technology to Nigerians especially within the prevailing economic environment.

He disclosed that the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology led by the Honourable Minister Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is desirous of creating an enabling environment for foreign based industries intending to invest in the country especially those willing to transfer their technologies.

The DG said this posture therefore demands that relevant government agencies begin discussion on how to create the necessary incentives that will attract foreign industries to establish in the country and transfer their technologies to Nigerians.

The NOTAP boss further disclosed that as a result of the Office intervention in the registration of technology transfer agreements coming into the country, a total sum of N188.2 billion that would have amounted to capital flight was saved the country between the years 2010/2014.

Responding, Awolowo admitted the need for collaboration amongst government agencies to enhance synergy and focus towards the development of the country.

He said NEPC as the non-oil exports promotion agency in Nigeria has placed the organization in an apex position for the much talked about diversification of the nation’s economy as a result of the dwindling price of oil, the major export of Nigeria.

He said the agency has various programmes presented to the government such as the Zero Oil Plan that is targeting 13 sectors of the economy, the National Strategic Export Products Programme, the Nigeria Diaspora Export Programme and the One State One Product Programme amongst several others all targeted at enhancing the nation’s non oil economy.

Mr. Awolowo reiterated the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources apart from oil, which when fully exploited will yield huge dividends for the country adding that the council is open for partnerships with other MDAs to reach its targets and is excited that NOTAP is a willing partner.

He commended NOTAPs initiative on promoting patent culture amongst researchers through the setting up of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in Universities, Polytechnics and Research Institutes adding that it will spur innovation leading to export of Nigerian technologies.

The two agencies are expected to draw out a memorandum of understanding that will guide the collaboration.