The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) said it is exploring partnerships for technological advancement in line with the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.
NAN reports that NOTAP announced that it is set to enter a tripartite agreement with Romania and Swedish Governments on technology development in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The statement reads that the acting director general of NOTAP, Dr Idoreyin Imiyoho, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Mr Uche Nnaji.
Imiyoho went on a visit to the company of the Managing Director of COPS Nigeria Limited, Mr Simon Naoun, and it’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Saab.
She expressed joy over the partnership that is about to be entered into with COPS Nigeria Ltd, adding that no agency or government succeeds without comparing notes or sharing ideas with others.
She said over 90% of technologies utilized in all sectors of the Nigerian economy were foreign, and the situation was unacceptable.
She said, “ For a country that is desirous of becoming a major player in the global technology space, the situation was unacceptable, hence the encouragement of indigenous technological capabilities.”
Mrs. Imiyoho asserted that what distinguishes developed from developing nations is technology, which is a product of research.
“NOTAP evolved some strategic programmes and projects aimed at encouraging Nigerian researchers to undertake demand-driven research rather than the conventional research for carrier progression,” she said.
She disclosed that the NOTAP-industry partnership led to the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in some Nigerian knowledge institutions across the geo-political zones of the country.
She noted that the partnership aimed to create awareness on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) to improve the economic sustainability of the nation.
Mr Nnaji was highly elated about the visit and partnership that will lead to a high-profile technology investment in the country.
He commended NOTAP for the foresight and expressed the Ministry’s full support for the partnership.
NAN reports that COPS Nigerian Limited is set to provide expertise in Drone technology with an assembling plant in Nigeria.
It is also set to advance satellite development, provide scientific education tools, and invest in Research and Development (R&D).