Nigeria’s minister for Minister of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said research is ongoing to explore possibilities of producing cement for road construction in the country.
Onu said this at the Forum of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja recently.
According to him, production cement domestically for road becomes mandatory because of the way some asphalt built roads quickly get damaged, causing hardship to road users.
He said they have directed the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI) to start research in concrete because it has been found that using asphalt on roads is costly and easily damaged.
The minister added that many countries have already undertaken the process but said they need to carry out the research so as to have a unique Nigerian brand different from what is made in other countries.
He said Nigeria had what it takes to be the continent’s technological hub, adding that consumption of domestic grown products would help promote innovation needed for standard creativity.
He also encouraged Nigerian engineers and scientists to be creative and innovative so as to be successful and prosper in their professions
“You have Nigerian scientists and engineers in virtually, all the major research institutes in the world, these are the people we can also attract home”, he said.
The Minister added that the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), whose chairman is the country’s President Muhammadu Buhari, 15 ministers and other key stakeholders, would undertake significant steps in promoting the country’s innovations.
He said that the current government would make deliberate measures in attracting young and old to science and technology innovations.
NAN added that National Research and Innovation Fund has also been set up so that research, science and technology could be funded outside the annual budget. (NAN)
