By Hadith Ndadama, Abuja


The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, has called for the active publicity of research results in Nigerian institutions to achieve his sole objective of commercialization.

Dr. Mamora said this during the Oshodi Federal Industrial Research Institute (FIIRO) special day at the ongoing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) EXPO in the capital of Abuja, Nigeria.

The Minister pointed out that there are many excellent research results that could rejuvenate the Nigerian economy in the research institutes, but they have only ended up on the shelves.

“The biggest challenge is how to bring these research results to market, because until it’s brought to market, we can’t say we’re there.” said the Minister.

FIIRO Director General Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa said the institute has played a significant role in supporting the full diversification of the Nigerian economy through research advances.

He noted that the agency focused on market-driven and demand-oriented Research and Development (R&D) activities.

“To support this momentum, we have carried out cutting-edge research on some readily available raw materials in Nigeria, which led to the development of no less than 250 technologies, resulting in the creation of profitable companies that have invariably led to the generation of jobs through its multiplier effects, thus reducing poverty and obtaining foreign currency”.

Dr. Tutuwa listed the latest R&D products, goods and services shipped by FIIRO for presentation at the ongoing EXPO STI 2023 to include development and production of packaged food for growing snails, heat-treated ductile iron for the production of brake discs, brake pads from composites of palm kernel shell, African yam bean, Kunu Zaki production technology, mold manual for slipper soles and fruit washing technology.

In addition, he listed some of the existing notable achievements of FIIRO to include the development and production of nutrient-dense biscuits for school-age children, ready-to-use therapeutic food for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition, nutraceuticals for the treatment of diseases such as sickle cell anemia, Anemia, Antilipemic / Hypolipidemic of Selected Fruits for the management of Obesity, prototypes of basic home services among others.

In the area of ​​collaboration, Dr. Tutuwa noted that FIIRO is working with universities, polytechnics and companies on their R&D products, goods and services.

“We all know that Nigeria’s economy has been a monocultural type, with oil and gas making up 95% of the country’s export earnings and 70% of government revenue. It is necessary to diversify the economy through the revitalization of other sectors of the economy, especially STI, which cuts across all other sectors” she said.

Dr. Tutuwa called on investors and other relevant partners to invest in the institute’s cutting-edge research and development products, goods and services to achieve Nigeria’s diversification agenda of moving from a consumer to a production economy through effective use of science, technology and innovation.