By Aaron Ossai
The House of Representatives yesterday read for a second time a Bill to establish the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition and Promotion to continuously monitor the inflow of foreign products and technology to Nigeria.
Leading debate on the general principles of the motion, its sponsor, Hon Clement Jimbo, said the Bill seeks to leverages on the huge and active Nigerian population to create jobs for youths, process raw materials into finished goods/products, as well as increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Transfer Technology to Nigeria.
He said the overriding principle behind the introduction of this Bill is to ensure regular value addition to the country’s solid mineral’s exploration and thai it was triggered by the need to create sustainable jobs for our teeming youths.
According to the lawmaker, the Bill also seeks to jack up our Gross Domestic Products GDP and increase our revenue base through foreign exchange.
Hon. Jimbo who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State pointed out that the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS says over 200 million cell phones, over 500,000 solar systems, over 12 million cars, millions of cameras, microphones, laptops and remote controls are currently in used in Nigeria.
He said all the above listed products have one thing in common which is batteries. He added that the major ingredient in the production of battery is a solid mineral lithium.
He pointed out that a Germany foreign broadcasting company, Deutsche Welle DW says lithium has been discovered in large quantities in Nigeria and in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, and Cross River.
“The Minister of Solid Mineral, Mr Dele Alake said ‘we will do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition’ this statement is in sync with the intendment of this Bill Mr. Speaker,” he said.
Briefing newsmen after the plenary, Hon. Jimbo stressed the need for speedy passage of the Bill, which he said would lead to better life for Nigerians.
He said in compliance with relevant sections of the Standing Orders of the House as amended, the proposed Bill has no financial Implication when passed into law.