By Comfort Olayinka
Federal lawmakers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have thrown their support behind a bill aimed at establishing the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition Promotion, and related matters. Sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo the representative of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State. The bill, which has successfully passed its second reading, is designed to accelerate technological development and bolster Nigeria’s economic growth.
Hon. Jimbo emphasized that the proposed commission will leverage the country’s large population and active workforce to attract technologies vital for developing Nigeria’s solid mineral sector, thus adding value to raw materials and stimulating economic growth. The initiative also aims to create thousands of jobs, boost the nation’s GDP, and foster technology transfer.
“Let me use that as an example. Facebook is not operational in China. YouTube is not operational in China, WhatsApp is not operational in China, tick tock is not operational in China. The question is, why? Why is China protecting the economy from other technologies that have been developed elsewhere, without the participation of Chinese from entering into their country,that is exactly what Nigeria, equally seeks to achieve.”
During a public hearing at the National Assembly, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) raised concerns that the new commission could absorb its current responsibilities. However, Hon. Jimbo reassured the public that the creation of the commission would not lead to job cuts at NOTAP. Instead, he clarified that the commission would enhance its mandate, specifically focusing on technology transfer without reducing staff or salaries.
“This commission is not here to take jobs away, but to provide a more robust mandate to enhance our technology transfer efforts,” Hon. Jimbo explained. “Our goal is to ensure that, like China, we protect our economy from foreign technologies without local participation. We aim to add value to our raw materials, stimulate innovation, and create employment.”
The National Commission for Technology Transfer is seen as a pivotal move towards improving Nigeria’s technological capabilities, encouraging research and development, and increasing the country’s global competitiveness. With its focus on technology acquisition and local innovation, the commission promises to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term economic strategy.
“Is Dangote not refining oil here, with that singular competition, port, harcour refineries on stream and many other modular refineries, like aziki refinery in Bayelsa State is coming up upstream. So with that alone, we are sending a clear signal to other developed economy looks Nigeria is not a dumping ground”
