The Nigerian Government has lately commissioned 13 projects at the National Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT) in Zaria.
The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Abdullahi (Barr) while visiting the Agency on a familiarization and commissioning of the projects commended the efforts of the Director- General/ CEO, Jeffrey Barminas (Prof) and the management of the Institute for conceiving and actualizing the enormous task for the benefit of the nation.
Mohammed Abdullahi averred that what he saw, offered him additional motivation towards supporting the interest of the Agency and promised to do his possible best to protect this interest of the Agency.
Abdullahi mentioned that the Federal Government under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration has set out policies that will bring about solutions to the myriad challenges facing the country, particularly in the areas of unemployment and insecurity. He further indicated that the Ministry through the application of science technology and innovation has understood the role it needs to play in providing the requisite guidance and leadership to Agencies under its purview towards making sure that the country’s resources are sustained.
“The Presidential Executive Order No.5 is another monumental step by the Ministry which all MDAs are required to comply with to recognize the pivotal role of Science, Technology and Innovation in National Economic Development, particularly in the area of harnessing and promoting home – made goods and services,” he noted.
In a related development, the Minister met with the newly Inaugurated Board Members and charged them to cooperate and synergize with the Director – General towards ensuring that they come up with positive solutions that will benefit the Agency and the country.
According to him, the projects commissioned during the visit include: Upgrading and Enhancement of NARICT Library Complex (NARICT E-Granatary Digital Library), NARICT Library Conference Hall – Renovated and Refurbished with over 200 Sitting Capacity, Rehabilitation of Minero-Organic Fertilizer Plant: Fabrications and Installation of 1.25 Tons / Hour Dryer for Fertilizer Production, Chemical, Biological Radiology, Nuclear and Explosive Decontamination Facilities, Pilot Plant for Production of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate for Pharmaceutical and Allied Industries Building, Model Plant for the Production of Fuel Using Plants, Tyres and Plastics (Pyrolysis) among others.
In continuation, Abdullahi appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for entrusting them with the responsibility to serve the nation in one of the key Ministries that the country depends on.
Speaking earlier, the Interim Board Chairman, Tasiu Gano (Alh) thanked the President for accepting their appointment as Board Members and promised to give their best as Board Members towards ensuring that the country becomes proud of their contributions.
On his part, the Director – General / CEO of the Agency, Jeffrey Barminas (Prof) in his closing remarks thanked the Minister for his commitment and immense contributions towards the development of the country.