By 
By Oluwatobi Opusunju
As part of the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) 2020, The Nigerian government has announced plans to embrace nanotechnology for socio-economic development. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu made this known while inaugurating the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the development of nanotechnology in Nigeria.
“In the past, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology had led in the promotion of cutting edge technologies in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), biotechnology; space science technology and renewable energy which have all enhanced the lives of our citizens through job and wealth. We therefore, intend to take full advantage of this relatively new technology called nanotechnology,” he said.
“Science is in agreement that nano-science and nano-engineering are leading to unprecedented understanding and control over fundamental building blocks of all physical things. Until recently, Nigeria seemed to have been a bystander watching technological achievements without her peremptory participation. With the inauguration of this committee today, the narrative is set to be rewritten,” he added.
In his speech at the inauguration, Onu said the main objectives of setting up the Committee was to bring together experts and stakeholders to drive a strategy for the adoption and development of nanotechnology in the country.
According to him, the committee is also expected to work out a policy that would guide and strengthen the utilization of the technology in Nigeria.
Onu said research and development (RnD) in nanotechnology would play a leading role in putting Nigeria on the global map of scientific and technological achievements.
He appealed to the committee to fashion out ways in collaborating with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to promote RnD in the technology in all tertiary and research institutions across the country.
