Nigeria’s Industrialisation Drive: NMDC boss tasks MDAs on synergy, Executive Order 5
As Nigeria strives to industrialise and join the committee of developed nations, the Director-General /Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO), National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Prof Linus Asuquo, has stressed the need for seamless collaboration among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government in implementing the Presidential Executive Order 5 to realise its aims and objectives.
According to a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, NMDA, Sunny Eweama, the DG, represented by the Director, Research Development and Consultancy Services, Dr (Mrs ) Dorcas Joseph, made the point while hosting the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall I O Amao, and some officers of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) who were on a fact-finding visit to the centre.
On 5th February 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law Executive Order 5 which is primarily aimed at Planning and Execution of Projects, and Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contract and Science Engineering, and Technology.
READ ALSO: FGN tasks African countries on clean, renewable energy
Prof Asuquo re-echoed the need for Agencies to synergise in order to achieve the objective of Executive Order 5 which according to him is capable of moving Nigeria from a consuming nation to a more productive and industrialised nation.
He said, “We all know how China transformed itself from a third world country to a first world country through domestication of its local content legislation.
“With deliberate and conscientious collaborations among government agencies through the implementation of Executive Order 5, Nigeria will astronomically shift from a crawling third world economy to a competitive and enviable global economy.”
Dr Joseph while leading the Team on a facility tour at the Centre, informed the Guest that NMDC had all it takes to industrialise the country if properly funded.
According to her, NMDC under the leadership of Engr Prof Linus Asuquo has, despite the minimal funding, been transformed from a moribund stage to a more lively and attractive research and development centre, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, procurement of R and D equipment and collaborations with relevant agencies.
In his response, Air Vice Marshall Nnaemeka Ilo, who represented the Chief of Air Staff, disclosed that the Air Force Boss sent him to lead the team to NMDC on a fact-finding mission after reading so much about research and developmental strides taking place in NMDC, Jos.
Air Vice Marshall Ilo said that with the R and D equipment and expertise he saw at the Centre, he had no other option than to recommend the Centre for partnership with NAF.
On the need to partner with the relevant civil establishment, Air Vice Marshall Ilo said that Nigerian Air Force was established on 18th April 1964 following the passage by the National Assembly of the 1964 Air Force Act which stated that the Force be saddled with the task of defending the country majorly through air operations.
He pointed out that the Chief of Air Staff is so passionate about ensuring that the Force explores local materials and expertise through collaboration with other organs of the Armed Forces and civil establishments for the building, maintenance of Aircraft and manufacturing of defence equipment.
He, therefore, tasked the Management of NMDC to get ready for the process of signing M O U, while he submit his report and sought approval from his Boss.
The Deputy Director R&D, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Abdulahi Hussaini, while lending his voice said that Research and Development in Nigerian Air Force plays a pivotal role in adding value to the overall realisation of the mandate of the Force.
He suggested that proper understanding between the Chief of Air Staff and DG/CE, NMDC, Air Force Research Centre, Kaduna and NMDC, Jos, would soon be recorded among the committee of industrialised states thereby reducing the humongous amount of money spent on the importation of materials and expertise which can be sourced for locally.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
