President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said his administration would give priority to investment in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as part of measures to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the comity of nations.
The President spoke at the inaugural meeting with the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) in the State House, Abuja.
President Buhari said the objectives of securing Nigeria, growing the economy, creating jobs and fighting crime can best be achieved through science and technology development.
“I am aware that Nigeria must accord high priority to science and technology if it must take its rightful place among the leading economies in the modern world.
“Nigeria’s vision of becoming one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020 is only attainable when science, technology and innovation are fully integrated into our national socio-economic development process. That process will now be fast tracked with the coming on board of this Council.
“I wish to assure this Council of my determination and commitment to ensure that as a nation, we will invest appropriately in science, technology and innovation in order to guarantee our competitiveness both continentally and globally. Our goal to secure our nation, grow our economy, create jobs and fight crime can best be achieved if we embrace science and technology,” the President said.
