*Announces 2nd edition of R&D fair
OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — The Nigerian Content and Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB has called on the federal government and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, to devote funds for accelerated research and development.
Engr. Simbi Wabote made the call as the Board announces its 2nd Research and Development, R&D fair.
According to Wabote, facilitating home-grown technology and innovation through the nurturing of local research and development capabilities is key to growth in the oil and gas sector.
He said in the light of the pivotal role of research and innovation in the development of indigenous technology, NCDMB places high premium on R&D oversight as a critical enabler in achieving the Board’s aspiration of 70% local content by 2027.
Section 67 of the NOGICD Act 2010, mandates the Board to conduct workshops, conferences, seminars, symposia, and other public fora to enhance the implementation of the provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010.
“We are therefore hosting the 2nd edition of the NCDMB R&D fair on September 9th 2021 in Yenagoa Bayelsa State to bring together industry stakeholders, academia, and researchers towards achieving a common agenda on R&D as a pillar for sustainable local content”, he said.
The maiden edition of the R&D Fair was organised in 2017 where research breakthroughs were exhibited, and linkages were facilitated between researchers and end-users in the oil and gas industry.
Since the successful hosting of the maiden edition, significant progress has been made in elevating the industry collaboration on R&D, including: establishment of Nigerian Content Research and Development Council with a mandate to advise the Board on matters relating to research and development in the oil and gas industry, development of R&D 10 Year Strategic Road Map, which will be launched during the 2021 R&D Fair, and development of frameworks for supporting research breakthroughs to products for industry application.
“Over 20 researchers are benefiting from the Board’s intervention. We have created $50 Million Research and Development Fund, including inauguration of Technical Advisory Board on Nigerian content Research and Development Fund”.
He added that the Board had since approved Signing of MOU to establish R&D Centers of Excellence in five universities – Federal Universities of Technology in Minna, Akure and Owerri, Niger Delta University Amasoma and Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola.
The 2nd R&D Fair is themed: “Creating Sustainable Collaboration in Research and Development for the Energy Sector”.
The ES said through hybrid participation in compliance with COVID-19 protocols, the Fair promises to feature presentation of research breakthroughs, panel discussion on R&D pillars of success and a special feature on how Nigeria can adopt a sustainable acceleration program for launching innovative ideas into the market.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva has confirmed his attendance and will be launching the NCDMB 10-year R&D roadmap as well as commission the Technology Innovation and Incubation center established by the Board to facilitate innovation and incubation of ideas for market adoption.
The Minister will also launch the $50 Million R&D Fund utilisation protocol.
