The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonaya Onu, says  Nigerian professionals and firms would benefit from the implementation of Executive Order  5.
He made the disclosure last Friday in Ibadan  during the South West Dialogue on Presidential Executive Order 5 held at the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology(NISLT).
The executive order borders on the planning and  execution of projects as well as  promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.
Onu, who was represented by the Director of Legal Department in  the ministry, Mrs Yoroh Odu-Thomas, said government is committed to transformation of the nation’s economy from resource-based to knowledge-based.
He said the Muhammadu Buhari administration was determined to create an enabling environment to mobilise local investment and attract more foreign direct investment to the country.
“On implementation of the order, Nigerian companies and firms have the opportunity more than ever before to participate in national development through award of contracts and also to serve as consultants.
“The order places  premium on the use of indigenous professionals and firms in the design and execution of projects involving national security.
“Foreign experts will only be engaged on condition that such expertise is not available in Nigeria.
“ Even when they are engaged, Nigeria professionals would be attached to understudy them,” he said.
Onu urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) to encourage indigenous professionals in Diaspora to return home and use their expertise to develop the country.
“The Buhari administration has recognised the use of Science, Technology and Innovation(STI) as well as the effective participation of our young people, professionals, indigenous contractors and consultants as indispensable.
“Only this could make Nigeria become a truly great nation. The present Economic Development Plan as well as National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP) 2017-2020 also recognises  Science and Technology as drivers of productivity,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Bitrus Nabasu, said the order was a deliberate step by the administration to usher in a new dawn in Nigeria.
Nabasu, who was represented by the Director, Finance and Account in the ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, said a  new Nigeria would be that which allows  indigenous professionals participate and contribute to the nation’s growth.
“This Executive Order is a foundation for acknowledge based economic revolution that will eventually entrench STI in everyday life, and this  is key to achieving the nation’s development goals across sectors of the economy,” he said.
Mr Ibiam Oguejiefo, a Special Assistant  to the Minister, said the order was aimed at addressing the various challenges of the economy as regards the participation of Nigerian professionals.
“It is unfortunate that we have left this wonderful idea for long till this time. Thank God that President Muhammadu Buhari has finally signed it for economic prosperity.
“Participants and Nigerians are therefore enjoined to support the realisation of its goals towards achieving optimal results,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Yemi Gbadegesin, NISLT Director-General,  pledged the institution’s support for the realisation of the executive order.
Gbadegesin used the occasion to present some documents about NISLT as well as  its functions and achievements to the minister.