PHOTO
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have discussed potential collaboration in Science & Technology, innovation and food security. The discussion took place at the IsDB headquaters led by Mr. Sayed Aqa, IsDB Vice President, Cooperation and Country Programming, with Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Nigeria’s Minister of Science & Technology.
“IsDB is scaling up in the area of Science & Technology. The President of IsDB, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, has recently appointed Hayat Sindi as an advisor on Science & Technology due to the importance of the sector. Nigeria has a lot of potentials, and we want our member countries to make their mark in Science & Technology,” said Mr. Sayed Aqa, IsDB Vice President.
Mr. Aqa added that in order to reduce brain drain and dependency in IsDB member countries, there is need for more focus on science, technology, research and development; and IsDB is open to collaboration at both regional and sub-regional levels, because if Nigeria gets it right, other countries will benefit. Mr Aqa assured the Nigerian delegation that when it comes to Science & Technology, they have an ally in IsDB.
Mr Aqa further stated that IsDB has several products that could be of interest to Nigeria like the Lives & Livelihoods Fund which provides concessionary financing, as well as the Reverse Linkage modality which helps member countries to build capacity and transfer of knowledge.
In his remarks, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu stated that Nigeria is working hard in the area of Science & Technology through the 17 agencies of the Ministry of Science & Tecnology by promoting research and development, so that the country can export its products rather than rely on importation.
“Food security is a top priority for the Nigerian government. When you talk about modern agriculture, you are talking about Science & Technology. If Nigeria is supported, a lot of countries will benefit,” Mr. Onu stated.
He calls on IsDB to work with Nigeria in getting investors, and help mobilise the private sector in order to improve the products developed locally for the benefit of Nigeria and IsDB member countries.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2017
