1.       The launching of NigeriaSat-1, a remote sensing Satellite in 27th September, 2003.  This is a research data collection and analysis satellite.  We are already receiving requests for remote Satellite maps, both locally and internationally.  This Satellite is capable of generating enough revenue to make it financially self-sustaining.  We also successfully launched our communication satellite in 2007 and the process is on for full commercialization of the operations of the satellite.

2.       Niprisan, a product of our indigenous research for which the Ministry holds the patent for the management and treatment of sickle cell is already on the market.  It is expected to be among the first set of enterprises in the STPs and shall provide over 2,000 job and make treatment available to the over six (6) million sickle cell patients in Africa.

3.       The Ministry has positioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Information Technology Programme to play a strategic role in good governance and contribute to the transformation of the economy.

4.       The Biotechnology programme is poised to contribute significantly to agricultural production.  We are cooperating with international partners to produce cassava mosaic virus resistant stems of cassava.  This genetically modified cassava shall soon undergo field testing.

5.       In pursuance of the objectives of its mission the Ministry, having articulated its policy directions and produced a compendium of on-going R&D projects, has also compiled the profiles of a selection of commercialisable R&D results.  The compilation is being updated on regular basis.  The most significant aspect of this compilation is that each of the listed projects is a successful result of research carried out in the country.  In most cases machineries and equipment and process inputs are all sourceable locally.  Equipped with this compilation, the Ministry is proceeding to link researchers with entrepreneurs in order to commercialize the projects.  Funding for the enterprise is sourced through venture capital or soft loan scheme available through existing institutions such as the Bank of Industry.  With appropriate Government backing, the Ministry is presently well positioned to fast track the country’s pace of progress in development of Science and Technology.

Chief (Mrs.) Grace Ekpiwhre, JP, mni
Honourable Minister.
February, 2008