Biotechnology

Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the Kingdom of Morocco for research and development of biotechnological products and processes including production of biofertiliser and biofungicide.

The ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while RAHAD Global Investment Limited signed on behalf of Morocco on Monday in Abuja.

The agreement which is the outcome of President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to Morocco in 2018, will witness a variety of research and development into numerous biotechnological products.

These products and processes also include among others, portable water and waste water treatment, disinfectants, gas treatment and reduction of Sulphur dioxide.

Others are soil biodegradation, sulphur reducing bacteria, application of stem cells for diabetics and cancer related diseases among others.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu said it was important for both countries to cooperate in the area of science, technology and innovation (STI).

He said Nigeria would utilize STI to add value to the country’s abundant natural resources which shall translate into wealth and job creations for Nigerians.

Onu maintained that Africa was not lacking in minerals and metals that have industrial applications, adding that Africa must deploy STI like other developed countries of the world.

He called for cooperation between African countries with the aim of working together to ensure the deployment of STI for mutual benefits.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Moha Tagma, said that the MoU represented a new step of the cooperation between the two countries.

Represented by Mr Moad Lahyani, Tagma noted that the MoU was just the beginning of a long and fruitful cooperation which should be encouraged.

He said the initiative was an ecological scope which was a prerequisite for both countries.

“This partnership marks the continuation of the cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco for Nigeria to exploit her agricultural potentials and ensure sustainable development,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Chbihi Drias, Chairman of RAHAD Global Investment Limited, said they had a genuine interest to cooperate and work together with Nigeria to make the agreement successful.