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| NSENI EVC Gwandu and Czech Republic Ambassador to Nigeria, Krejčí when the former paid the Ambassador a courtesy visit on Friday 19th August, 2023 in Abuja |
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Bashir Gwandu, embarked on a visit to the Czech Republic Embassy in Nigeria on Friday, August 18, 2023.
This visit aimed to foster potential business collaboration
and delve into the details of the Delta2 Project.
During his courtesy call to the Czech Ambassador, Zdeněk
Krejčí, the NSENI boss expressed his purpose of conducting a fact-finding
mission to understand the reasons behind the failure of the Delta2 Project.
Originally designed as a bilateral venture between the
Nigerian government (represented by NASENI) and the Czech Republic government
(represented by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TA CR), the Delta2
Project was envisioned to catalyze the growth of Nigeria’s technology companies
and entrepreneurs, bolster economic development, and drive the creation of
Made-in-Nigeria technologies and products.
Gwandu conveyed to the ambassador that NASENI’s new
administration is eager to collaborate with the Czech government. He emphasized
that this partnership would align with Nigeria’s industrialization goals and
attract fresh investments that contribute to the domestication of technologies
through strategic partnerships.
NASENI’s mandate revolves around reducing Nigeria’s reliance
on imported goods and services that can be locally produced, thereby
stimulating the nation’s economy and generating employment opportunities for
its citizens.
Gwandu emphasized the importance of fostering beneficial
relations between the two governments and nurturing partnerships that align
with Nigeria’s developmental agenda.
“We seek a meaningful government-to-government relationship
for our initiatives. We aspire to align with the Czech government and companies
to drive technological domestication, industrialization, and overall economic
growth within Nigeria,” said Gwandu.
He further highlighted NASENI’s ongoing efforts to
accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization, inviting Czech companies to invest in
the country and collaborate on setting up manufacturing facilities.
The Czech Ambassador commended NASENI’s proactive approach
in reaching out and visiting the embassy to discuss the Delta2 Project’s
status. He expressed his country’s willingness to engage in scientific
collaboration with NASENI.
Outlined the availability of Czech resources, including a
grant agency, a technology agency, and scientific institutions that could
benefit Nigeria’s endeavors.
“We eagerly await your forthcoming initiatives. Our grant
agency, technology agency, and scientific community stand ready for
cooperation. We have several companies and universities engaged in tropical
agriculture that can be potential partners for NASENI’s initiatives,” the Czech
Ambassador stated.
He extended his commitment to collaborate with NASENI to
ensure the success of their upcoming endeavors.