Performance
By Damilola Nubi
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN)
Some experts in Science and Technology have urged the Federal Government to stabilise the socio-economic environment to revitalise activities across various sectors.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, the experts said that improved coordination among different ministries would ensure progress and impact needed across sectors.
Dr Oladoyin Odunbanjo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science, said that the interconnectivity of sectors was vital, adding that “what happens in one sector can significantly affect another”.
“We might have a lot happening in one sector that is not reflected in another, and you may need the impact of the other one to make this one as effective as it should be.
“Now that we’re looking for alternatives to oil revenue and focusing on mining, we need science, technology and innovation.
“We must not allow the mining sector to become like the petroleum sector, which after many years still relies on foreign expertise.
“For instance, if we mine lithium, we must also refine and produce lithium products here, rather than exporting the raw material, ” he added.
Odunbanjo commended the government for its initiatives and stressed the importance of utilising local resources and expertise.
“We allow too much foreign intervention in our programmes. When you use local experts, they have a vested interest in making it work for their people and country,” he noted.
Prof. Joshua Olaoye, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, said that incorporating experts and professionals in the decision-making process, remained vital for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and overall economic development.
Olaoye said that the administration had come up with strategic plans that could expand agricultural activities, especially in coastal areas.
He said, “The budget has the potential to transform economic strength and agricultural productivity.”
The professors highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly road networks.
“Appropriate hands have been appointed to manage the infrastructural development of road networks across the country.
“Discussions are ongoing on changing the method of our road construction to more productive methods,” he said.
Olaoye pointed out that the agricultural revolution remained a core mandate of social security and that the president had engaged experts in this area.
He also mentioned the large deposits of material resources that could enable the country to generate its own energy, saving social services and addressing key challenges.
“We need policies on bioenergy sources for energy generation. Our vision is not to depend solely on traditional energy sources but to develop our bioenergy potential,” he added.
While acknowledging that President Tinubu had done well, Olaoye noted that there were still many areas that needed attention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NOD/AWA
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
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