The House of Representatives Committee on Science Engineering on Monday resolved to consider making cases for adequate budget allocations of its MDAs to shore up the government investments in the sector.
The MDAs include, Sheda Science and Technology (SHESTCO), Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, National Centre for Technology Management, National Science Laboratory Technology Agency, and Nigeria Council for Food Science Technology.
Read also: 2024 budget: Senate worries over MDAs’ inability to meet revenue target
Inuwa Garba, Chairman, House Committee on Science Engineering, who stated this in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the Standing Committee, noted that apart from adequately providing for aggressive revolution required in the sector, the action would help address the ugly consequences of brain drain and migration of skilled and qualified persons to other climes.
He said in achieving these, the Committee is well positioned to collaborate with the MDAs and stakeholders in the sector to give the desired lifeline to the sector and promote economic growth, saying the synergy will allow for exchange of knowledge, resources and expertise as well as fostering innovation and development of new technologies.
Garba underscores the need to recognize the era of technological and engineering-driven economy for science and technological growth.
Such dependence, Garba said, would also provide for advancement in research and development, innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity enhancement and managing environmental issues that determine economic progress and promotion of sustainable development.
The Chairman observed that success of the Committee would be measured not just by the policies initiated but by the tangible results made out of them that would mpact on Nigerians.
He said, “In keeping with the Legislative Agenda of the House of Representatives which amongst others provides for: strengthening good governance, Economic development and growth, and Environmental sustainability and climate change, the Committee on Science Engineering is further charged with the responsibility of navigating the complex intersection of science and engineering, ensuring that our nation strides confidently into a future shaped by innovation and progress.
Read also: Reps threaten to arrest heads of 6 MDAs over N300bn audit query
“As chairman, I am aware of the weight of this responsibility and expectations therefrom. In this sector, our actions bear profound implications for the trajectory of our nation because we stand at the forefront of technological advancements and our decisions will naturally impact on the generations to come. This is a responsibility we accept with humility and dedication.”
