Abuja, Nigeria
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) have reinforced their collaboration to accelerate the commercialization of Nigeria’s research and development (R&D) results. This strategic partnership will drive intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and local content development, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to foster entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
During a high-level meeting at NOTAP headquarters in Abuja, NBTI’s Director General/CEO, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, and NOTAP’s Director General/CEO, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, the first woman to lead NOTAP, explored key areas of cooperation. These include:
•Intellectual Property (IP) Rights and Protection: Providing NBTI entrepreneurs with expert guidance on patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
•Technology Transfer and Knowledge Promotion: Supporting innovators in leveraging R&D outputs for market success.
•Commercialization of Indigenous Technologies: Advancing over 150 NBTI patents through targeted support and industry linkages.
•Local Content Development and Export Facilitation: Encouraging the adoption of Nigerian-made technologies in global markets.
Dr. Amadiobi emphasized the importance of supporting indigenous products and training NBTI entrepreneurs on intellectual property rights to enhance their competitiveness. She highlighted NOTAP’s commitment to ensuring that locally developed technologies gain proper recognition and commercialization support.
Dr. Raji noted that NBTI has generated over 5,000 products currently in local and international markets, creating approximately 250,000 jobs. He reiterated that technology incubation programs have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth, fostering innovations in traditional, electromechanical, and emerging technologies.
To further promote indigenous innovations, both agencies agreed to organize a joint trade fair and exhibition featuring NBTI incubatees and NOTAP-backed innovators. This initiative will create market visibility, connect entrepreneurs with investors, and encourage Nigerians to embrace homegrown technologies.
A joint committee was inaugurated to drive the partnership forward, with a focus on scaling up NBTI’s patents for commercialization. Dr. Raji also underscored the urgent need for the Federal Government to enact Executive Orders 003 and 005 into law, ensuring policy support for local technology, innovation, and ICT development.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards positioning Nigeria as a leader in technology-driven economic development, boosting job creation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
Olajumoke David
Chief Information and Public Relations Officer
National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Abuja
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