Energy
NCDMB Sponsors New R&D Projects
. . . Triple Helix Nigeria Unveils Vision
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has signaled plans to support new research and development projects as part of its Technology Innovation and Incubation Strategy and the enduring commitment to catalyze innovation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.
Biztellers reports that the new R&D projects will add to the 14 applied research projects which the NCDMB currently sponsors at various stages of technological readiness. One shining example being the Amal Technology, which manufactures gas leak detection devices and printed circuit board at Abuja.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe hinted this in the keynote address he delivered at the 2024 edition of the Triple Helix Nigeria SciBiz Conference in Abuja.
The event was graced by industry representatives, researchers from knowledge institutions and policymakers, and held under the theme “Integrating Research, Innovation, and Policy: Triple Helix Pathway to Research Commercialisation,” Biztellers also reports.
Engr Ogbe described research and innovation as the lifeblood of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, adding that the NCDMB has consistently applied local content development to enhance research and commercialisation of innovative solutions for the country’s oil and gas sector.
This way, it hopes “to accelerate the circle of innovation and wealth creation by fostering partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry players,” he noted.
Represented by the General Manager Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Ajimajaye, the ES charged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of innovation and work together to build a future where research and development are at the forefront of the national agenda.
According to him, “Creating an ecosystem where research, innovation and policy can interact has never been more critical as we steer through the complexities of the 21st Century,” noting that “the Triple Helix Model of academia, industry, and government collaboration is an appropriate international business framework that adds to our strength of innovation and ensures that all efforts go into fuelling the grand old aim – National Development.”
He further disclosed that “the $50 million Nigerian Content Research and Development Fund was created by the Board in 2020 from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), and was designed to provide much-needed research funds in the oil and gas R&D space.”
The President, Triple Helix Nigeria, Alh Abdulmalik Halilu, said that the THN, whose membership has grown from an initial 12 founding members to 240, realises the fact that research and innovation have fuelled human and societal development and that the body seeks to catalyse enterprises so oriented.
According to him, THN is committed to foster value creation in the Nigerian economy in line with local content philosophy of looking inwards, promote the development of technology skillsets required to solve African problems by Africans, promote strong advocacy platform for building research capabilities in knowledge institutions, and foster structured partnerships between industry and research community, to attract research-based funding in the direction of Africa-based researchers.
On the organisation’s vision, Halilu who is Director, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NCDMB, revealed that “Triple Helix Nigeria seeks to inspire at least 10 knowledge institutions to accelerate innovation and have at least 10% equity in 10 listed companies in the next 10 years.”
Speaking further, Halilu canvassed that the role of universities in this era was no longer confined to the education of minds or the advancement of theoretical knowledge, instead, they must play a central role in the commercialization of research, turning knowledge into tangible products that drive economic growth. He added that “the transition from education through research to commercialization heralded an evolving frontier where academia, industry, and government collaborate under the Triple Helix model to ensure research transcends the boundaries of laboratories and classrooms, to solving real-world problems and fostering economic prosperity.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Conference, Prof Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi, said her members were “so joyous to witness 156 authors submitting 47 high-quality papers on various subjects that directly contribute to the theme of this Conference – “Integrating Research, Innovation, and Policy: Triple Helix Pathway to Research Commercialisation.”
She expressed confidence that “together, we can build a robust ecosystem where research meets industry, innovation drives policy, and Nigeria rises as a global leader in science, technology, and innovation.”
The 2024 Triple Helix Nigeria SciBiz Conference 2024, held from October 23 to 25.
Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede As Acting Chief of Army Staff
The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.
The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.
In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.
“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.
“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.
The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.
READ MORE: ‘Only Savior Created By God For Nigeria’ – Presidency Slams Obasanjo
Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.
The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).
In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.
Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.
Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.
This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.
The perennial power outage in certain parts of Nigeria has caught the attention of another frontline political figure, leaving him wailing and calling for urgent solutions.
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Nigeria’s 2024 election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has expressed shock that “many parts of Northern Nigeria are in total darkness today due to vandalism on the important 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna power line”.
The former governor of Kano State was disheartened that “this situation has been further compounded by the high cost of petrol and diesel in Nigeria, which has further plunged homes into darkness and forced factories to close down.”
Kwankwaso’s bitter tears were shed in a statement on Monday on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X.
Other prominent political figures who have been lamenting the perennial power outage in several parts of Nigeria include Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Atiku Laments Complete Blackouts In Certain Regions Of Nigeria
He wrote, “It is very disheartening that many parts of Northern Nigeria are in total darkness today due to vandalism on the important 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna power line that supplies the states of Kano and Kaduna and another line that supplies Bauchi, Gombe and other parts of the northeast.
“This situation has been further compounded by the high cost of petrol and diesel in Nigeria, which has further plunged homes into darkness and forced factories to close down.
“The time this crisis has taken to be addressed underscores the huge deficit of capacity our power sector has in order to address large scale problems and this must be addressed to avoid any future disruption.
“It is about time that we look into alternative power sources to address our energy needs and we need to exploit the abundant resources available to this country.
“I wish to encourage all state governments and private investors to invest in alternative electricity sources, just like we did in Kano by installing two turbines in the Challawa Gorge and Tiga Dams in order to reduce the reliance on our inadequate and aged energy sources. – RMK”
REBUTTAL: Rivers Denies Shutting Nigeria’s Oil Production Facilities
EFCC Probes Top Bankers, Bobrisky Case Still Ongoing
Megan Thee Stallion Confirms To Sleeping With Tory Lanez
Joe El Reveals How Resemblance to 2Baba Affected His Career
Banky W, Adesua Etomi Welcome Second Child [VIDEO]
Valencia Flood: Real Madrid, Other Matches Suspended
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
