The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Thursday inaugurated the technical consultative committee for the strategy implementation of Presidential Executive Order no 5.
The Presidential Executive Order 5 is a revolutionary document, designed by the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to place Nigerian professionals as well as manufacturers at the centre of the Nigerian economy.
Inaugurating the committee, Dr Onu charged the members to find out from all stakeholders, professional bodies, contractors, manufacturers, on all problems and challenges preventing them from participating effectively in the Nigerian economy.
The Minister who described the 204 members of the committee as “Wise Men and Women, urged them to focus on their mandates which include;
i. The overall deepening of a knowledge-based economy that is innovation-driven
ii. Rapid movement of Nigeria to become an industrialized nation
iii. Creation of an enabling environment, so as to mobilize local investment, as well as attract more foreign direct investment and
iv. Help achieve economic empowerment of Nigerian professionals as well as manufacturers.
He enjoined members of the committee, to be fully abreast with the details of the Executive Order 5 and ensure that their activities would ensure the full implementation of the EX.05, for the benefit of Nigeria.
In his address, he assured that: “The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), will develop six Technology and Innovation Centers (TICs) established by Executive Order 5 in the six geo-political zones of the country to increase productivity and global competitiveness ranking of our country.
“The Federal Government will do its utmost to ensure that the Executive Order No 5 is fully implemented as this will help create wealth, reduce poverty and provide employment for our people.”
The Consultative committee’s chairman and coordinator, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, said that under his leadership they will adopt a “bottom to top approach” policy, in order to fully tackle the implementation of EX 05 for the benefit of Nigeria.
He assured the Ministry that the committee will work diligently and in line with the rule of law.
