By Saidu Abubakar
Every dollar that is spent on research and development (R&D) translates to prosperity, growth and productivity, and of course, ultimately employment, the General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, has revealed.
Halilu made the revelation while giving an overview and vote of thanks at the end of this year’s NCDMB R&D Fair & Conference on Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He stated that the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, had elaborated on the Nexus between R&D and the gross domestic products (GDP) in which he explained how 65 per cent of the global R&D that is spent came from five countries, as those countries also accounted for 52 per cent of the GDP.
According to him, there is a significant benefit when countries focus on R&D.
“And that’s the essence that we bring R&D discussion as the front-burner. The Fair also provided the platform for the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, to launch the NCDMB 10-year R&D Roadmap, commission the Technology and Incubation Centre, inaugurate the Research and Development Council, and also launch the $50 million R&D Fund (four activities in one day!)” he enthused.
“Sylva encouraged the private sector, represented by the local supply industry, to take an active role in initiating R&D projects to expand the frontiers of funding beyond government”
speaking further on the virtues of the Minister, Alhaji Abdulmalik pointed out that there was also a testimony of Sylva’s commitment to provide leadership on matters that are related to R&D regulation in the industry.
He pointed out that, in setting the vision for the industry, Sylva encouraged the private sector, represented by the local supply industry, to take an active role in initiating R&D projects to expand the frontiers of funding beyond government.
“The Minister’s policies then set the stage for our amiable Executive Secretary, Engr Simbi Wabote, to provide an overview of the Board’s achievements, especially in the quantum of support given to innovate us to transition from idea stage to products ready for market adoption,” he said.
The Executive Secretary finally announced his intention to take the campaign to the doorsteps of academia, and embark on a roadshow to institutions of learning to explore collaboration in the implementation of the 10-year R&D Roadmap that was launched by the Minister.
“We brought in quite a number of vice chancellors who are at the apex of these institutions, and for the discourse, they’ve been able to elaborate on some of the major issues.
“The excellently moderated panel sessions orchestrated by seasoned industry technocrats, provided the perfect contents for the carefully selected distinguished panelists to do justice to the topics themed around eight strategic pillars to aid the R&D Roadmap,” he said.
He also noted that the Fair also provided a platform for exchange of ideas and articulation of synergy amongst government and institutions, stressing that there was a cross-fertilisation of ideas between government and private sector which is very important.
“(It is) because that balance has to be created for us to establish the right kind of R&D ecosystem that is outcome-focused,” he added.
Abdulmalik, who specially thanked the Minister and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, ably represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also commended all the participants and exhibitors for being part of the programme.