The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, has proposed a ban on the importation of foreign goods that can be made locally in Nigeria.
Channels reported that the minister made this statement on Tuesday during the 71st Ministerial Media Briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stating that the ban will protect domestic inventions in Nigeria.
While addressing the State House correspondents during this period, Mamora expressed his concern over research works and inventions being left unused due to a lack of investors.
The minister also highlighted the challenges of protecting intellectual property and bringing research to the market.
Mamora emphasized the government’s commitment to legislation that would protect inventors’ rights before commercializing their products.
He stated the determination of lawmakers and the government to enact a law that would require the protection of inventions before they are introduced to the market.
Despite acknowledging the slow pace of the ministry, Mamora stated that it would work with stakeholders to improve collaboration between research institutions and investors.
In his words, “The ministry would continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders, as it looks to strengthen synergies between research institutions and the market through investors.”
When asked about the ministry’s inventions, Mamora responded, “What do we do with all these inventions? It’s a question that we have also been pondering about.”
He went on to explain that almost all of their agencies have produced various inventions.
According to him, the challenge has always been taking these inventions to the market. He stressed that until the invention is brought to the market, the ministry’s efforts would not be recognized as a success.
