The Minister, Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) Chief Uche Nnaji, has assured his full commitment to push for the President’s assent to the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) assent Bill, to enable its full potential to advance the economy.
The Minister stated this during a facility tour to the headquarters of NBRRI in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Accordihg to him, that NBRRI is a strategic agency, in the national pursuit of innovation, sustainable development, and infrastructure excellence. “NBRRI, as one of the foremost agencies in the Ministry, presents enormous promise for the success of the renewed hope agenda of our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR notably in the areas of infrastructure, wealth creation, employment generation, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Your mission to drive advancements in construction, road infrastructure, and building technologies aligns with our President’s vision for a modern, prosperous, and technologically driven Nigeria. Therefore, this maiden visit offers me a remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand the groundbreaking work within these walls.
“It’s heartwarming, to learn that NBRRI has substantially implemented Executive Order #5 and other essential policies of science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria. As you know, our Ministry places a significant premium on Executive Order #5 to set our country on viable and sustainable economic growth and rapid transformation using Science, Technology, and Innovation instruments and platforms. Therefore, your disposition to noticeably implement Executive Order #5 reinforces NBRRI’s leadership role in Research and (R&D) for our nation’s overall growth and development.”
He urged the Institute, not to rest on its oars but strive more towards addressing other critical issues, begging for solutions in the road and building sectors of the Nigerian economy. “One such challenge is addressing the growing menace of building and bridge collapse across the country. The collapse of buildings and bridges is not merely a matter of structural failure; it is a grave social, economic, and safety concern that demands our immediate and unwavering attention.”
“Regarding the Institute’s mandate, I am pleased to use my good office and every other means available to me to push for Mr. President’s assent to the NBRRI Bill to enable its full use. On the challenge of recruiting highly skilled research officers to drive the Institute, let me state that as a firm believer in high-level capacity staff, I will support the Institute this area by assisting in getting the needed approval to meet the gap in the staff strength. Although poor funding is understandably a challenge, I will also take it up with relevant authorities to improve available funding levels, especially low overhead, and to cover the expenses of the Zonal offices in all the geopolitical zones.
“I want to commend the management of the Institute for their efforts toward repositioning NBRRI and making it a global research center which will be the pride of every Nigerian consistent with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I extend my most profound appreciation to the dedicated researchers, engineers, and innovators at NBRRI. Together, we can drive the spirit of innovation much better, make strides in infrastructure development, and usher Nigeria into a new era of prosperity.”
Earlier, the Director General NBRRI Prof. Samson Duna, appealed the intervention of the federal government to acquire Institutional Land at the Federal Capital Territory to be used as NBRRI Technology Village for display and utilization of our various R&D outputs. “We have made several attempts in the past, but our efforts had not been fruitful. We are hopeful that you will be able to assist in this regards.”