Hope is in sight for the revival of the abandoned Metallurgical Complex Aba as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured of his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to make the complex a center of excellence in local engineering.
The Governor gave the assurance, Tuesday, at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba when he received in audience, the Board and Management of NASENI led by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Professor M S Haruna.
Gov Ikpeazu further assured of his administration’s preparedness to forge productive partnerships with the Agency to create an ecosystem for harnessing and development of the productive capabilities of Abia people.
According to the Governor, the only path for the economic survival of the country is to embark on aggressive development of local production of goods and services, and a deliberate national policy for the compulsory consumption of locally produced goods.
He added that with the fading prospects of crude oil globally, Nigeria must take hard decisions in this direction.
Governor Ikpeazu promised that his adminstration will stand in support of the full implementation of the enabling Act of the Agency including the proposed funding structure of devoting 1% of the Federation Account to the Agency to enable it have enough funds for its activities.
“This is very crucial because unless as a nation we begin to invest in the development of our productive capabilities, our future will remain bleak”, Ikpeazu said.
The Governor expressed delight that NASENI has led the way in the nation’s quest for development of indigenous technology in the country through fabrication and production of various kinds of goods.
Ikpeazu, assured the team that the State Government will be willing to provide additional facilities to the agency for the construction of training centers in the State.
He commended NASENI for placing top emphasis on capacity building for their staff in the area of technology transfer as well as exposing them to world class training beyond the shores of the country.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Engr Professor M S Haruna said they were in the State to seek areas of collaboration with the State Government especially in the areas of development of local technology and manufacturing.
He disclosed that the Agency is involved in different kinds of productive activities including the production of solar panels for commercial use as well as fabrication of various kinds of agricultural implements.
Haruna, said the agency is interested in converting the Metallurgical Complex Aba into an engineering center of excellence, and use it to provide support to institutions like the Boys Technical College Aba, Abia State Polytechnic Aba and the Abia State University, Uturu.
He appealed to the Governor to lend his voice to the full implementation of the NASENI Act to enable the agency get the needed funds to operate fully and assist the nation in her quest for technological advancement and maximizing local productive capabilities.
