The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.
Chairman of the committee, Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.
“We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.
“We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or lack of other issues,” he said.
Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the organisation, in line with international best practices.
“Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.
“Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.
Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.
He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.
The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.
The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee on their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the organisation.
He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country.