Nigeria urged to seize $3 trillion Nanotechnology market opportunity
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasised the need for Nigeria to leverage the global nanotechnology market, projected to be worth $3 trillion by 2025.
Nnaji spoke at the 7th International Nanotechnology conference in Abuja, with the theme “Nanotechnology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities for Emerging Economies”.
He highlighted nanotechnology’s role in solving problems and driving commercialisation for national growth.
The minister urged a shift from laboratory testing to practical applications of nanotechnology across various sectors such as medicine, food, and agriculture.
Stressing the potential for Nigeria to benefit from the growing nanotechnology industry, he emphasised the importance of participation in a market expected to reach $3 trillion by 2025.
Dr Halilu Shaba, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), representing Nnaji, highlighted the commercial potential of nanotechnology for national development.
Shaba noted NASRDA’s involvement in synthesising nanoparticles, leading to innovations such as high-capacity batteries, waterproof cement, and advanced textile materials, which are undergoing patenting.
Prof. Agbaje Lateef, Lead of the NANO+ Group at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, emphasised Nigeria’s potential to deploy nanotechnology for growth and development, utilising natural and intellectual resources.
He stated that nanotechnology could contribute trillions of dollars to the world economy and generate millions of jobs.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, highlighted the relevance of nanotechnology in defense, particularly in reducing the size and weight of components for enhanced research efforts.
He expressed interest in collaborating with researchers to leverage nanotechnology in addressing challenges, especially in the fight against insurgency.
Prof. Razaq Kalilu, the acting Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, called for government support in establishing a Center of Excellence in NanoScience and Nanotechnology at the university.
Prof. Umar Gaya, the Coordinating Director at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), stressed the need for strategic addressing of automation and robotisation in line with 4.0 developments.
The conference aimed to explore opportunities for Nigeria in the global nanotechnology landscape, focusing on applications that could drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
The Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria was formed 2014 to advance the course of research in the multidisciplinary subject of Nanotechnology at the university (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Ali Baba-Inuwa
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