Nigeria, Morocco sign R&D pact for devt of biotechnology products

Nigeria on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Morocco for research and development in biotechnological products and processes, including the production of bio-fertiliser and bio-fungicide.

The ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while RAHAD Global Investment Limited signed on behalf of Morocco, in Abuja.

The agreement, an outcome of President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to Morocco in 2018, covers a variety of research and development efforts into numerous biotechnological products.

These products and processes include, portable water and waste water treatment, disinfectants, gas treatment, reduction of Sulphur dioxide, soil biodegradation, Sulphur reducing bacteria, application of stem cells for diabetics and cancer related diseases, among others.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu said it was important for both countries to cooperate in the area of science, technology and innovation (STI), as Nigeria was desirous of using STI to add value to the country’s abundant natural resources so as to translate them into wealth and job creation for Nigerians.

Onu maintained that Africa was not lacking in minerals and metals that had industrial applications, but that Africa must deploy STI like other developed countries of the world.

He called for intra-Africa cooperation with the aim of working together to ensure the deployment of STI for mutual benefits.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Moha Tagma, described the MoU as representing a new step in the cooperation between the two countries.

Represented by Mr Moad Lahyani, Tagma noted that as just the beginning of a long and fruitful cooperation, the MoU should be encouraged because it was an initiative that was needed by both countries.

“This partnership marks the continuation of the cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco, for Nigeria to exploit her agricultural potentials and ensure sustainable development,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Chbihi Drias, Chairman of RAHAD Global Investment Limited, said they had a genuine interest in cooperating and working with Nigeria to make the agreement successful.