Nigeria to begin production of cement for road construction – Onu

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology says research is ongoing to produce cement for road construction in the country.

Onu disclosed this at the Forum of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, production of indigenous cement for road becomes necessary due to the way some asphalt built roads get damaged, causing hardship to road users.

“We’ve asked Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI), to commence research in concrete because we have seen that using asphalt on our roads has not been much enduring.

“It is something that many of the advanced countries are already using but the reason for our research is that we want to study how we can make it have the Nigerian character”, Onu said.

He said the nation had all it takes to be the technological hub of the continent, adding that consumption of home grown products would promote innovation needed for standard creativity.

“When we properly harness science, technology, engineering, research and innovation, we will be the technological hub because there is tremendous potential in Nigeria.

“We want a situation where Nigerian scientists and engineers are creative and innovative. We want them to also be successful and prosperous.

“You have Nigerian scientists and engineers in virtually, all the major research institutes in the world, these are the people we can also attract home”, he said.

The Minister said that the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), which has President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chairman,15 ministers and other key stakeholders would make significant impact in promoting innovations in the country.

NAN reports that National Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, among others, are represented in NRIC.

He added that the current administration would make deliberate efforts in attracting young and old to science and technology innovations.

NAN recalls that National Research and Innovation Fund has also been established so that research, science and technology could be funded outside the annual budget. (NAN)