NMDC seeks more funding for research, development
NMDC seeks more funding for research, development
NMDC seeks more funding for research, development
By Matthew Eloyi
The Director-General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Professor Linus Asuquo has said that with adequate funding especially in research and development, the country’s mining sector would be able to ensure economic growth and sustainability.
Asuquo, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, stated that there cannot be industrialization progression in the country if there was no adequate funding in research and development adding that a lot of funding is needed for development of solid minerals which is capital intensive.
ALSO READ: KEDCO pledges to move company forward through teamwork
He noted that in the drive to diversify the economy through mining and bringing in investors, adequate budget should be made for research and development as no country would be able to move forward with a 0.1 percent allocation for research.
He said especially for solid minerals sector of which the country being blessed with about 44 minerals has to invest in accurate data gathering to attract investors due to the draining prices of oil.
In his words, “The country had only invested 0.1 per cent in research and development until the present administration’s upgrade to 0.5 percent.
“As you are aware, this country is blessed with about 44 solid minerals and Jos in Plateau State is blessed with so many of such minerals and was recognized as the second best in the world. Because of oil, these minerals were abandoned. There has been a rethinking that we should concentrate on our solid minerals to increase revenue and diversify the economy because of the draining prices of oil.
“No country can go forward with a 0.1 GDP for research and development. In some countries people are advocating for 3 percent for Research and Development in all sectors.
“There cannot be industrial progression in a country if there are no adequate funding in research and development. We cannot move forward by just speaking, it has to be action motivated.”
He, therefore appealed with the Federal Government to continue with its provision of top security, especially in mining states urging that there should be a synergy with State Governments so as to attract investors and drive towards economic development.
