The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has signed a tripartite inter-governmental relationship with the Republic of Romania and the Swedish government on local technology development.
Idoreyin Imiyoho stated this when she led the Managing Director of COPS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Simon Naoun and the Executive Director Mr. Joseph Abi Saab on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, recently in Abuja.
The Ag Director General NOTAP disclosed that over 90 per cent of technologies utilized in all sectors of Nigerian economy were foreign adding that for a country that is desirous of becoming a major player in the global technology space, the situation was unacceptable, hence the need to encourage indigenous technological capabilities.
NOTAP, she said, was established to regulate the inflow of foreign technology into the country but also has the responsibility of encouraging the development of locally motivated technologies.
Imiyoho explained that what distinguishes developed from developing nations was technology and “since technology is a product of research, NOTAP evolved some strategic programmes and projects aimed at encouraging Nigerian researchers to undertake demand-driven researches rather than the conventional research for the purposes of career progression.”
She said one of such programmes was the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in some Nigerian knowledge institutions across the geo-political zones of the country. She noted that the aim was to create awareness on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) to the economic sustainability of the nation.
She expressed joy over the partnership that is about to be entered into with COPS Nigeria Ltd, adding that no agency or government succeeds without comparing notes or sharing ideas with others.
An elated Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology said the ministry will support the Office to achieve its objectives.
In the same vein, the Managing Director of COPS Nigeria Limited Mr. Simon Naoun said Nigeria is their choice investment destination saying they are willing to provide expertise in drone technology with an assembling plant in Nigeria, satellite development, scientific education tools, as well as a total investment in research and development (R&D).
Source: blueprint
