Mamora emphasised the need to protect local productions and inventions. He expressed concern that many inventions by agencies under his ministry were not being utilised due to a lack of investors and investments. The minister noted that the challenge faced by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was taking research outputs to the market.
Addressing the issue, Mamora stated, "It will interest you that virtually all our agencies have come up with one invention or the other. But the challenge had always been taking these research outputs to the market. Because until and unless we are able to take them to the market, we would not be seen to have been able to do something."
To address this challenge, the minister highlighted the importance of engaging relevant stakeholders and considering legislation to protect inventions before introducing them to the market. Mamora stressed the need for a stronger collaboration between research institutions, investors, and the market.
"We have so many outputs that are still gathering dust on shelves in various agencies. So, what we are doing is to continue to engage, to continue to have forums for these engagements where we can bring all stakeholders together," Mamora added.
The minister underscored the importance of creating awareness among Nigerians about local inventions and encouraging investors to embrace these products and introduce them to the consumer market. Mamora also discussed the need to protect intellectual property and explore legislation that would facilitate the swift introduction of inventions to the market.
He further highlighted the challenge of Nigerians having a preference for foreign products over locally made ones, emphasising the need to promote a sense of nationalism. Mamora suggested that the government should consider implementing a comprehensive ban on products that can be produced locally.
"Again, I think the government will need to really come hard in terms of a total ban, as it were, of things that we have the capacity to do locally. That is why nationalism comes in," he stated.
By advocating for a ban on foreign products that can be produced locally, Mamora aims to stimulate local industries, promote economic growth, and encourage Nigerians to appreciate and support indigenous innovations. The minister's call aligns with the government's push for self-reliance, job creation, and the development of a robust manufacturing sector.