Nigeria will partner the Republic of Cuba in the development of biotechnology for pharmaceuticals production.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, revealed this when Clara Escadel, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, visited him in his office in Abuja on Monday.
The minister said the development of biotechnology for pharmaceuticals would be facilitated and accelerated due to Nigeria’s youthful population.
Onu said that Nigerian youths, at home and abroad, had reached the peak of their careers in various technological endeavours.
He added that with the necessary skills, the youths could take Nigeria to greater heights.
According to him, Nigeria is tackling food insecurity as the country emerges as the largest producer and exporter of rice on the continent.
He noted that the cultivation of yam in Nigeria, via biotechnology, was no longer just for food but also as a raw material for industries.
Earlier, Escadel said her visit was to discuss Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming International Conference, Bio Habana 2022, scheduled to take place in Cuba from April 25 to April 29, 2022.
She commended the relationship between the two countries, noting the tremendous opportunities that abound in Nigeria.(NAN)