By Saidu Abubakar
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, on Thursday, formally launched a $50 million research and development fund, known as the Nigerian Content Research and Development Fund (NCRDF), for the enhancement of research and development (R&D) in the country.
Sylva, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Petroleum Resources, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, at the second edition of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)’s R&D fair at the Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
“The fair is timely, and it captures our collective commitment,” he said.
He expressed hope that the edition would provide the necessary stimulus.
“On this note, I hereby formally announce the creation of the Research and Development Fund,” he said, while commending the Board for sustaining the tempo.
He enjoined the private sector to join in the efforts.
“The fund, though clearly insufficient, signifies the premium the present administration places on growing our nation’s research and development capabilities. I encourage the private sector to replicate the global practice by complementing the Nigerian Content Research & Development Fund, and actively support the government’s drive in upscaling our national research architecture,” he said.
Sylva also inaugurated an 8-member of the council headed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote.
“I am pleased to use this forum to formally inaugurate the Council for a tenure of two years. I expect that the Council consisting of seasoned subject matter experts from industry, Government and academia will consolidate on the gains made so far, to proffer sound policies that will shape the direction of NCDMB’s research interventions,” he added.
Valuechain reports that other members of the council include: Tandama Adamu (NOTAP), Alhaji Aliyu Adamu (NBTI), Ijuwe Albert (OPTS), Dele Aikihonbare (IPPG), Mrs. Rosario Osobase (PCTS), John Erinne (PETAN), and N.B. Saliu (NUC).
Earlier in his welcome address, Wabote explained the reason behind the research and development.
“My opening remarks (are) essentially focused on why we are devoting resources and time to research and development. The reasons are various, but I will utilise the short time available for this opening remarks to dwell on three of them.
“This first reason is that research and development is pivotal to the growth and development of any nation, and I dare say to the evolution of mankind. Right from the days of the cave men to the current age of global connectivity, research and development always play a crucial role in opening up new chapters of modern life,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended NCDMB for packaging the programme together.
He said that the state government had done the needful, by creating the enabling environment for the Board to execute its projects and programmes.
Ewhrudjakpo, who appreciated the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), now known as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), further said that there is room to review the 3 per cent for the host communities but expressed confidence for a review.
The NCDMB, pursuant to its mandate in Section 70(n) of the NOGICD Act 2010, is organising an R&D Fair and Conference on September 9, 2021.
This is in tandem with the Board’s vision of being the instrument for the industrialisation of Nigeria, aimed at accelerating the domiciliation of in-country R&D activities, engendering innovations, facilitating indigenous ownership of facilities in the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the economy.
The Fair and Conference is expected to create a convergence of researchers, industry players, endowment benefactors, investors and finance enterprises and manufacturing companies to identify patentable or commercially viable products resulting from R&D activities.
Valuechain reports that the theme of the Fair is: ‘Creating Sustainable Collaboration in Research and Development for the Energy Sectors’.
