Mamora urges Atlantic Ocean border countries to leverage on its potential

Dr Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) had called for effective collaboration among boundary countries of the Atlantic Ocean to maximise its potential for socio-economic development.

Mamora made the call at a workshop organized by the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR), the Centre for Space Innovation and Development (CSID), in collaboration with Eureka, through GlobalStar, a US satellite communication company.

Mamora was represented by Mr. Shuaibu Umar, Director, Science, Technology, and Promotion, while the workshop was held at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja.

He recalled that dearth of data about the Atlantic Ocean spurred the Portuguese Government to commence a diplomatic process of encouraging countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean to collaborate towards studying the ocean.

The study, he said, was tagged "Atlantic Interactions," which furthered the establishment of the AIR Center.

"The Nigerian government joined other countries after considering the huge benefits it will derive as part of the network to study the ocean."

"The benefits of the Atlantic interactions include understanding the Atlantic Ocean system and its natural resources for a healthy and productive ocean."

"It is expected to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix as well as improve energy efficiency and understanding."

"It will help in predicting and adapting to climate change and atmospheric dynamics for developmental benefits," he said.

The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Shaba, said the AIR Center was the network for international cooperation along and across the Atlantic when an integrative approach was deployed.

Represented by Dr. David Jeb, Director, Geo-Apps Plus Limited, Shaba said that the AIR center was created for the development and proper implementation of research activities related to the Atlantic ecosystem.

He appreciated the center's efforts to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen technology innovation start-ups, financing, and business uptake.

According to him, it will help in harnessing the ideas for formulation of functional strategic multilateral and international collaboration for business and technology innovation synergy.

Shaba also pledged NASRDA's support towards the activities of the centre, stating that it was in line with a policy of the Ministry.

"The ministry is poised towards enhancement of technological innovation for mainstreaming of small and medium-sized businesses, which is expected to form the bedrock and driver of economies across the globe."

Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Director of the AIR Center, explained that the AIR Center became interested in identifying Nigerian entrepreneurs who were into the innovative technology sector because the talents abound.

Ibrahim added that they were looking into new innovative products with the potential for societal and disruptive impact as well as adding value to the digital economy agenda of the country.

She further said they collaborated with Eureka to have a national funding body as an authority responsible for vetting and funding potential applicants once they were identified.

"Innovation and technology are fundamental for Nigeria to be able to compete in a global framework."

"One of the key factors to achieving this is by promoting the development of the digital economy in Nigeria by establishing IT centers where business, innovation, and entrepreneurship are nurtured and supported."

Ibrahim said the workshop was aimed at introducing Eureka to more stakeholders and exposing Nigerian tech and start-ups, as well as small and medium enterprises, for possible international collaborations, among other objectives.

Eureka is the world's biggest public network for international cooperation in research and development as well as innovative activities.

The network is present in over 45 countries and has a flexible mode of funding its activities.