Bill on technology transfer commission scales first reading

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, approved for second reading, a bill to establish the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition and Promotion.

The commission when established will monitor the inflow of foreign products and technology into the country.

The sponsor of the bill from Akwa Ibom State, Clement Jimbo, said the proposed legislation “seeks to leverage the huge and active Nigerian population to create jobs for youths, process raw materials into finished goods/products, increase the Gross Domestic Product, and transfer technology to Nigeria.”

Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, the PDP lawmaker said the overriding principle behind the introduction of the proposed legislation is to ensure regular value addition to the country’s solid mineral exploration.

He also said it was triggered by the need to create sustainable jobs for the nation’s army of unemployed youths.

“The bill seeks to increase our GDP and revenue base through foreign exchange.

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, and millions of cameras, microphones, laptops, and remote controls are currently in use in Nigeria.

“These products have one thing in common which is batteries,” he added, stressing that “The major ingredient in the production of battery is a solid mineral lithium.”

He pointed out that Deutsche Welle DW, a German foreign broadcasting company, says lithium has been discovered in large quantities in Nigeria, particularly 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.

Addressing reporters after the plenary session, the lawmaker urged his colleagues to support the bill to quicken its passage.