$50M research grant lying fallow
By Charles Okonji
The Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) has stated that $50 million grant is lying fallow since its establishment.
The Executive Secretary to the Board, Simbi Wabote, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos, while announcing its second edition of the NCDMB R&D FAIR conference, regretted that despite the board’s visit to universities and research institutes, non has come up to access the research fund.
Wabote noted, “The Nigerians may be aware that the NCDMB established in 2010 is mandated to: Develop the capacity of the local supply chain for effective and efficient service delivery in the oil and gas industry. Promote value addition in Nigeria through enforcement of utilization of Nigerian-made goods, services, and manpower in oil and gas activities.
“Facilitate home-grown technology and innovation through the nurturing of local Research and Development (R&D) capabilities. In the light of the pivotal role of Research and Innovation in the development of indigenous technology, NCDMB has placed high premium on R&D oversight as a critical enabler in achieving the Board’s aspiration of 70 percent local content by 2027.”
The ED expressed that the council has developed R&D 10 Year Strategic Road Map, adding that it will be launched during the 2021 R&D Fair.
He stated that over 20 researchers are already benefiting from the Board’s intervention.
“The Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources will be launching the NCDMB 10-year R&D roadmap as well as commission the Technology Innovation and Incubation center established by the Board to facilitate innovation and incubation of ideas for market adoption. The HMSPR will also launch the $50 million R&D fund utilization protocol.
“I encourage interested members of the public and Nigerians in the Diaspora to log on to the link http://ncdmb.gov.ng/rdfair2021/ to register and attend this important conference,” he emphasized.
