ECONOMY: NOTAP To Link Researchers With Investors In Commercialisation Drive
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) says it will connect Nigerian researchers with investors and manufacturers through a national initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of research findings and expanding the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Director-General of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, announced the initiative on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council. She said the agency will host a National Technology and Innovation Summit in Lagos on October 7 and 8 to bring together researchers, innovators, manufacturers, financial institutions, investors and the Bank of Industry.
Amadiobi said the summit is expected to create opportunities for researchers to present commercially viable innovations to investors and industry stakeholders, helping to move research outputs from Nigerian universities and research institutions into the market. She said the initiative is part of NOTAP’s mandate to promote technology acquisition, technology transfer and indigenous innovation.
She said the agency is also strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to adapt imported technologies through local expertise. According to her, NOTAP’s Local Vendor Policy has increased indigenous participation in the Information and Communications Technology sector by requiring Original Equipment Manufacturers to invest in training Nigerians. She added that the agency plans to extend the approach to manufacturing, engineering and other sectors.
The Director-General said NOTAP is developing a technology and innovation hub to showcase emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while partnerships with Huawei, MTN and Airtel are expected to strengthen the agency’s capacity to assess imported technologies. She also announced the National Outsourcing Value Acceleration (NOVA) Programme, designed to equip young Nigerians with industry relevant skills through simulation based training and practical workplace experience.
Amadiobi said several state governments, including Niger State, have indicated interest in partnering with the agency to establish innovation centres that will support technology transfer, skills development and innovation across the country.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the Council is seeking collaboration with NOTAP to improve public understanding of technology, innovation, intellectual property and research commercialisation. She proposed specialised training for journalists covering science and technology, as well as joint public enlightenment campaigns on intellectual property rights, patents and technology transfer.