By Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) on Monday inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between government and Aeronautic Ltd (now Wise Guide Technology Nigeria Ltd).
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu however pledged that Nigeria will domesticate and specialise on sophisticated technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (drones), through reverse-engineering.
He explained that reverse-engineering is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product following detailed examination of its construction or composition.
Onu made this known at the Headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja, when he inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial committee for the implementation of the MoU between the ministry and the company.
The Minister stated that the purpose of the collaboration was basically for research, development in the area of unmanned Area Vehicles (UAV).
The MoU, he said was signed to enable the Ministry incorporate an inter-ministerial committee that will pioneer the implementation of the understanding through research and development.
Onu added that for Nigeria to be self-reliant, it has to take her own destiny into her own hands, by looking inwards and develop the country’s home products.
The benefit of being self-reliant Onu said, cannot be overemphasized as it will help to create jobs, wealth and reduce extreme poverty, he added.
The Minister assured the committee that FMSTI will continue to research, until the country is able to domesticate her own technology and innovation so as to improve the country’s home-grown products, and improve Agriculture, Security, even in oil and gas sectors.
He charged the committee to finish the work within two weeks, adding that the committee should offer their utmost best.
Earlier, Mr. Yahaya Isa, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, said the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA), an agency under the Ministry is thinking ahead of time, especially with the establishment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) department.
He assured the Ministry and Nigerians that the committee will do its utmost best to deliver on their set objectives.
IRONDI IFEOMA, of the PRESS & PR Dept of the Ministry sent the piece on behalf JOSEPHINE ADEMU, who is Head of the Dept.