The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said Nigeria needs to tap into the global nanotechnology market expected to be worth $3 trillion by 2025.
Mr. Nnaji said this at the 7th International Conference on Nanotechnology held in Abuja on Wednesday on the theme “Nanotechnology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities for Emerging Economies.”
The four-day conference was hosted by the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Nnaji, who was represented by NASRDA Director-General Dr. Khalil Shaba, said nanotechnology is designed to solve problems and is also intended to be commercialized for the growth and development of the nation.
“Nanotechnology is about solving problems, and solving problems makes money.
“We have moved away from clinical testing and problem identification and are now looking at areas where nanotechnology can be applied.
“Nanotechnology has applications in all areas of life, including medicine, food and agriculture, and the world is becoming lighter and products smaller, and this is what we should focus on.
“The field of nanotechnology is said to have a market worth about $3 trillion by 2025, but where can Nigeria profit from this industry? Because we need to be involved,” he said.
The minister said nanotechnology has the ability to realize the “New Hope” agenda of poverty alleviation and can make lives easier by revitalizing agriculture, improving healthcare and creating jobs.
Mr. Shaba also commented as DG of NASDRA and said that there is a need to synthesize nanoparticles that will have a major impact on the manufacturing industry.
The agency said it has carried out some research in the synthesis of nanoparticles used in the development of batteries with high storage capacity, reinforced waterproof cement and textile materials.
He said that while the products are under patent, the agency is currently working with reputable technology companies to commercialize the products.
Professor Agbaje Lateef, NANO+ Group Leader at LAUTECH, said Nigeria, with its large treasure trove of natural and intellectual resources, has the potential to adopt nanotechnology for growth and development in manufacturing products and providing services. He said there is.
Lateef also said that the conference aims to highlight the global role of nanotechnology in growth and development.
“Nanotechnology has the potential to contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy by 2030. It will account for 10 percent of global gross domestic product.
“Also, approximately 6 million jobs are expected to be created through the synthesis of nanomaterials, the application of nanomaterials, the production of goods and the enhancement of existing products,” he said.
He said Nigeria could become a leading producer of nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanochitin and nanosilica from agricultural waste, which could be a powerful tool in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the measures needed to take advantage of nanotechnology developments include national policies on nanotechnology and prioritization of research funding.
He also said that the development of nanotechnology will require the establishment of nanotechnology centers of excellence and institutions, councils and departments dedicated to nanotechnology research and development.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the application of nanotechnology could aid research and impact operations in the northeast and the fight against insurgency.
Mr Abubakar, who represented AVM Ndubisi Okoro, said defense aircraft were equipped with rocket launchers and in research efforts to recreate rocket launchers, there was a need for lighter rocket launchers.
“The rules of flight say the lighter the aircraft, the better, and we call this the lift-to-weight ratio, which means you have a weight advantage and can achieve better lift.
“Nanotechnology is concerned with miniaturizing or compacting large sizes into smaller ones.
“We find this suitable as it allows us to reduce the size of certain bulky components to enhance research activities.
“We plan to invite the LAUTECH team for a formal presentation to the Air Force, likely attended by the Air Force Chief of Staff and all Air Force officials.
“We can discuss how nanotechnology can be leveraged to impact current research activities, which will definitely impact current operations in the Northeast and the fight against insurgency.” will give you.”
Source: guardian.ng