The Federal Government has reiterated its commitments towards achieving sustained technological development and advancement in the country.
The Minister of Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) Mr Uche Nnaji, stated this at the commissioning of the new National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) headquarters building in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nnaji promised to continue to provide the necessary support to ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs) under his purview in order to achieve Nigeria’s technological development.
“As I commission this NOTAP Headquarters complex, it is my expectation that the management and staff of NOTAP shall continue to work in harmony with renewed zeal and commitment.
“To justify the funding priority accorded to this project towards sustained technological development of our dear nation,” he said.
He also added that his administration will continue to support NOTAP towards achieving its mandate.
He added that his ministry will support NOTAP to ensure that all the MDA’s and private sector organizations register their technology transfer agreements with the Office as stipulated in its mandates.
NOTAP, he said, is mandated to regulate and register technology transfer agreements in the country and also promote indigenous technological activities.
The Minister also commended the President BolaTinubu for approving the commissioning of the office complex.
“It is gratifying to note the remarkable role played by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who graciously approved the construction of the NOTAP and made funds available.
“I wish to further appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously approving the commissioning of this NOTAP headquarters complex.
“It is worthy at this juncture, to commend the unwavering support from the 9th National Assembly,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General of NOTAP said that the agency is responsible for monitoring, regulating and facilitating the inflow of foreign technology in Nigeria.
He said that its mandate was being implemented primarily through the evaluation and registration of technology transfer agreements which were required to be submitted to it within 30 days from the effective date.
Ibrahim added that NOTAP needed a befitting modern office space to discharge its official duties with ease as it seeks to promote foreign and local investments in technology.
“Our duties are innovative in nature; we need the best of space to be able to link up with other local and foreign stakeholders in order to discharge services according to globally accepted standards.
“The agency ensures that Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs have access to the latest technology and knowledge, which can be used to develop local capacity and promote economic growth and development,” he said.