According to President Bola Tinubu, the National Centers for Training and Welding would be set up to provide individuals with welding practice certification, evaluation, and training throughout the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

In the inaugural event of the 2024 Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu made this statement.

The President gave the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Budget and Economic Planning instructions to provide the necessary funding for the development of the centers. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented the President in this regard.

According to him, welding was essential to the expansion of Nigeria’s economy, he said.

He recalled that his government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Cuba upon assuming office in order to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations.

He stated that the bilateral agreement encompassed the following areas of cooperation: biotechnology; scientific innovation and research; technology development; development of human resources; specialist exchange in science and technology; and technology transfer.

Tinubu reaffirmed that his Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to encourage innovation, science, and technology as essential tools for advancing modern socioeconomic development.

In his speech, Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, reminded the audience that the administration of previous President Muhammadu Buhari allotted at least 0.5% of the country’s GDP to research and development.

“By allocating a specific percentage of the country’s income to research and development, the government is proactively investing in the foundations of sustainable economic growth.

“This financial commitment underscores the understanding that continuous productivity and sustainable industrial development are contingent on advancements in STI,” the minister said.