Nigeria and Czech Republic Enter Groundbreaking Agreement to Fund 11 Projects
The Nigerian government has announced a partnership with the Czech Republic to provide financial support for research, development, and innovation projects in various sectors across Nigeria. Key sectors include Agriculture, Mining, and General Manufacturing, with a specific focus on assisting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
This significant development was made public by the National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) through their official X Handle on Monday, December 18, 2023. The signing of this agreement marks the commencement of the Delta-2 Program, which involves the allocation of funds to selected projects and the formalization of implementation agreements.
One particular agreement which stands out is the granting of a production license for a coal fertilizer factory to be established in Nigeria. This landmark agreement signifies a significant boost to the nation’s manufacturing sector in line with the government’s efforts to foster economic growth and development.
The official signing of the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and the Czech Republic was held at the Technology Orientation Centre, NASENI Headquarters, Abuja, signifying the commitment of both nations to this groundbreaking initiative.
The initial phase of the Delta-2 program involved a rigorous funding selection process, which commenced in 2022. Following this process, a total of 11 projects were chosen to receive funding, in partnership with various organizations and institutions.
The selected projects encompass a wide range of areas, including the development of bioethanol production, aeroponics farming, waste conversion, and industrial fiber production. Partner organizations and institutions involved in these projects include Federal University, Akure, Federal Poly, Offa, Chemtech farms, El Naandy Nigeria Ltd, Cutix plc, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and others.
The Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange between Nigeria and the Czech Republic (PICTT) has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and implementing the Delta-2 Program. This signifies the commitment of both countries to ensure the successful execution of the projects and the effective utilization of the allocated funds.
What’s particularly noteworthy about this phase of Delta-2 is that all 11 projects earmarked for funding embody collaborations between Nigerian and Czech organizations. These projects cover a diverse spectrum, including bioethanol production, aeroponics farming, smart irrigation, waste conversion, and legal research software, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the initiative.
In conclusion, this landmark agreement between Nigeria and the Czech Republic marks a significant milestone in the promotion of research, development, and innovation in key sectors across Nigeria. The implementation of these projects is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only in stimulating economic growth but also in fostering technological advancements and sustainable practices within the country. With the allocation of funds and the formalization of implementation agreements, the stage is set for the successful execution of these transformative projects.
