Minister of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Monday said that the Federal Government is currently conducting a research on how to produce cement for road construction in the country.
According to Dr. Onu, production of indigenous cement for road becomes necessary due to the way some asphalt built roads get damaged, causing hardship to road users.
The minister said Nigeria had all it takes to be the technological hub of the continent.
He said that the consumption of home grown products would promote innovation needed for standard creativity.
“We’ve asked Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI), to commence research in concrete because we have seen that using asphalt on our roads has not been much enduring.
“It is something that many of the advanced countries are already using but the reason for our research is that we want to study how we can make it have the Nigerian character”, Onu said.
“When we properly harness science, technology, engineering, research and innovation, we will be the technological hub because there is tremendous potential in Nigeria.
“We want a situation where Nigerian scientists and engineers are creative and innovative. We want them to also be successful and prosperous.
“You have Nigerian scientists and engineers in virtually, all the major research institutes in the world, these are the people we can also attract home”, he said.
What is there to research? And why is the FG producing cement? why not engage Dangote and Lafarge to do pilot projects and give them tax incentives like they already gave Dangote. we don’t need to waste time on facts of science lets research other areas that has not been proven to be fact. Cement roads cost more but last longer. There is nothing to see there. build roads and ensure they have drainage. then you will have less damage.
Another rubbish talk by Mr. Minister. He said something about pencil and tooth pick production the other day.
Dangote already has cement for road construction. Has even done a prototype road.
Government should face its major function of providing an enabling environment for the real sector to thrive and be sustainably competitive and profitable.