Most innovations that spur industrial growth are conceived and developed in various laboratories both in the academia and government research institutes hence the need for them to be equipped to meet world standard, attract investments and boost economic development of the nation.
This was the crux of interaction between the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Bitrus Nabasu and journalists at the South-South dialogue on the Presidential Executive Order 005 held in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
Nabasu averred Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that all laboratories of agencies under the ministry were upgraded to meet internationally-recognised standard so as to be certified by relevant international bodies.
He pointed out that most of the laboratories in the agency were known for their high quality system, technical competence and also manned by proficient personnel to generate technically valid results, saying the recent certification of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research’s Oshodi (FIIRO) analytical laboratory by the International Standard Organisation (ISO) was a glaring testimony of the high standards of the agency’s laboratory. He adding that the certification was a benchmark conformity assessment requirement for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
The permanent secretary said the ministry was working assiduously to ensure laboratories of other agencies, especially that of the Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis, Kaduna get certification. He said it was important, considering the function the agency is performing.
On the executive order, he said it was intended by the current administration to move Nigeria into a new age.
“This Executive Order 005 showcases the commitment of government in the promotion of domestic and foreign investments, creation of employment and the stimulation of the national economy,” he added.
According to him, it has the objective of building the capacity of Nigerian professionals and contractors and particularly those involved in science, engineering and technological programmes and contracts to favourably compete with their counterparts globally.
A statement by the ministry’s head of press and public relations unit, Abdul-ganiyu Aminu said Nabasu urged the management and staff of the agencies under the ministry to be abreast of the contents of Executive Order 005.
