Dr Adeneye Talabi, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST), has canvassed for improved community awareness on building world class technology infrastructure to actualise Vision 20:2020.
Talabi, Director of Technology Acquisition and Adaption Department in the ministry, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, the nation needs to deepen efforts in attracting and retaining the best people to develop Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) skills.
“It is proposed that by the year 2020, Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world.
“Nigeria could only meet the year 20:2020 development target if science and technology are given priority.
“If STI is properly utilized, it will drive economic growth, help in solving social and environmental problems, and poverty reduction,“ he said.
According to him, such effort will make Nigeria to be able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena.
Talabi said that the nation ought to research into areas like modern technology and nanotechnology, among others.
“ Biotechnology itself is a tool capable of the enhancing economy in the agricultural and industrial sectors, especially in medicine, food, electronics, fuel cell, fabrics, “ he added.