Senate president, David Mark has urged government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), to encourage local technology growth by patronizing made-in-Nigeria vehicles, just the National Orientation Agency (NOA) commissioned 22 buses assembled in Nnewi, Anambra state for its use.
Senator Mark said patronizing locally assembled vehicles would not only encourage advancement of technology transfer and growth in Nigeria, but is also an impetus for job creation and employment.
Mike Omeri, director general, NOA, said it acquired the 22 made-in-Nigeria vehicles for its operational activities to boost patronage of local industries.
All 22 vehicles are pick-up vans from the Innoson motor factory in Nnewi, South East Nigeria. pick up vans assembled in Nnewi in Anambra.
Elsewhere, Ita Okon Bassey, minister of Science and Technology said Nigeria has the capacity to general ‘millions’ of job positions, as well as creating wealth in the economy through enhancement and application of local technology.
At an exhibition organized by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (Notap), in alliance with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (Smedan) held in Abuja.
Bassey who inspected various local technology equipment on exhibition at the show, said encouraging local research and development would lead to innovation and advancement of technology application in the country.
“Our collective effort is to respond to the calls of President Jonathan, to generate jobs and create wealth through our indigenous technology outputs. I note the opportunities awaited by this event and encourage you all to patronize these technologies as our contribution to the socio-economic development of this nation,” said Bassey.