The National Technology Incubation Centre, Jos, Plateau has lamented poor funding by the government, saying it inhibit economic growth, technological advancement and industralisation.
The technology incubation centre was established in 2007 to assist budding entrepreneurs to develop new technologies into practical firms to explore abundant raw materials.
Its mandate also includes commercialization of research and development (R&D) results, as well as create jobs said to be held back by inadequate funding outlets.
Kefas Dashe, Centre Manager, confirmed in Jos at the weekend that the centre was expected to help entrepreneurs sell and market their products after manufacturing same at the industrial outlets established within, but sadly has failed in that mandate.
“We are expected to take such products to trade fair exhibitions to ensure exposure and effective advert, but we just can’t do that because the resources are not there. In fact, the centre does not even have a vehicle to carry that out even within Plateau State. To be effective, we must not only create an atmosphere for the production of goods, but also help in promoting sales through advertising, trade fairs and jingles. But we have not been able to do that,” Dashe lamented.
Amongst others, Dashe listed lack of internet connectivity to enable its staff carry out research work as major impediment to its success.
“We are basically research oriented and should at least be connected to the internet so as to reach out to the world and also take on fresh developments if we to be optimal. But we can’t do that either,” said Dashe.
He decried dearth of “consumables” to be used in the quality control laboratory in the centre. He said their availability was necessary to ascertain that products produced in the centre met the required standard. Dalylop Fom, and entrepreneur and CEO of a cottage industry in Jos, which specialises in the production of chalk, POP ceilings, tailors’ chalks, gypsum boards and POP rosettes, listed funding as his major challenge.
“The biggest challenge at the moment is funding. With adequate funds, this cottage industry would be transformed into a very big industry, which would employ more manpower and increase the revenue base of our economy,” said Fom.
Gondi Steven, CEO of another small enterprise in the Plateau state capital, said besides funding, erratic public power supply was major hindrance to profitability in business. His firm produces organic fertilizer, bio-diesel and herbal beauty soaps.