The Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) has witnessed a significant transformation, making its technologies more visible and accessible to Nigerians, particularly women and youths.
This development was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, the current Director General and Chief Executive Officer of FIIRO.
Dr. Chima C. Igwe, former Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer of FIIRO, made this declaration during his goodwill message at the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Conference and Awards 2024.
The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos, brought together stakeholders to discuss navigating fiscal and monetary policy challenges as threats to Nigeria’s $1 trillion GDP target by 2030.
According to Dr. Igwe, one of the major threats to achieving this target is neglecting the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Industries using locally developed technologies.
He emphasized that FIIRO has developed numerous technologies that can empower Nigerians to establish these industries, creating employment and wealth, and supporting the government’s efforts to achieve the targeted GDP.
Dr. Igwe commended Dr. Tutuwa for making FIIRO and its technologies more visible and accessible to all Nigerians.
He also praised the National Chairman of CICAN, Charles Okonji, and the entire National Executive members for organizing the conference and awards.
The National Chairman of CICAN, in his remarks, commended FIIRO for its contributions to economic development and urged them to do more.
He also tasked the government to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, reducing unemployment in the country. “No nation becomes great without production,” he said. “Europe developed with the Industrial Revolution.
” It is unfortunate that subsequent governments in Nigeria have paid lip service to the growth of the industrial sector.”
The Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Olusola Obadimu, represented by William Inya, urged the federal government to prioritize investments in transportation, energy, and technology to reduce production costs.
He also called for the development of more industrial parks and special economic zones to enhance economies of scale and attract foreign investment.
In recent developments, FIIRO has collaborated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to showcase its commercializable research products at the upcoming TETFUND Research Fair in Abuja.
The Institute has also commissioned its South West Zonal Office Complex in Akure, Ondo State, and the South East Zonal Office Complex in Enugu, to support capacity building and enhance productivity through innovative activities.
With FIIRO’s technologies now more visible and accessible, Nigeria is poised to witness significant economic growth and development.
As Dr. Igwe noted, achieving a $1 trillion GDP by 2030 is ambitious but within reach if Nigeria aligns its priorities, forges public-private partnerships, and implements pragmatic policies.
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