ABUJA – The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has announced an initiative to empower Nigerian youth through digital and technological innovations to stimulate economic growth.
This announcement was made during the handover ceremony in Abuja, where Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji took over as Director General from Dr. Uchenna Patricia Chukwu, on Monday.
Dr. Raji outlined his vision to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and blockchain to enhance Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized that the potential for GDP growth lies in harnessing the innovative capabilities of youth.
The NBTI DG said, “Technology is what I’m here to drive. The only way you can draw water from the dry well is through technology.
“Presently, what we are doing is electromechanical. And I’m bringing new initiative on emerging technologies. Because when you talk about technology of today, you talk about AI, that’s artificial intelligence.”
With offices in all 36 states and 15 extensions, the NBTI aims to facilitate grassroots technological advancement. Dr. Raji highlighted a recent success where a Nigerian incubator won a $1 million prize for a food innovation, showcasing local talent.
He addressed challenges in agriculture, particularly food packaging, and announced a memorandum of understanding with the Kwara State Government to improve packaging standards.
He explained that collaborations with NAFDAC and the Standards Organization of Nigeria will ensure local products meet international quality standards.
Dr. Raji further advocated for laws supporting local content in technology to foster homegrown solutions and reduce capital flight.
“One of the challenges in Nigeria is food packaging, which has become a major challenge. Because after production is the packaging.
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“Part of the mandate of NBTI is to commercialize the research products coming out of our incubators and National Board for Technology Incubation.
“And that is the reason why I’ve always been advocating… that the Executive Order 003 and 005 on ICT local content has to become an act of Parliament,” he declared.
In her remarks, the outgoing DG, Dr. Chukwu emphasizing the importance of grassroots projects for citizen benefit.
