Nigeria and Cuba to cooperate in biotechnology development

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has disclosed Nigeria’s plan to partner with Republic of Cuba in vaccines and medicine production biotechnology development, research and others.

The minister said this when he received the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara Polido-Escandell, in his office in Abuja on Monday.

This was mentioned in a press statement titled ‘Nigeria/Cuba to deepen ties on STI development’, distributed on Monday by a member of the ministry’s Press and PR team, Otuyemi Adetayo.

The statement read, “The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that Nigeria and the Republic of Cuba will strengthen cooperation in the area of biotechnology development.”

Read also: Invest more in biosecurity, experts urge African leaders

It added, “Onu said that the relationship between both countries will include research in vaccine production, medicine production and development of biotechnological materials. He added that the collaboration will be a mutually beneficial one.”

The minister lauded Cuba’s efforts in COVID-19 vaccine production despite being a small country slammed with international blockade and sanctions, as he assured the Cuban diplomat that Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally.

He also urged the Organised Private Sector to invest more in STI, believing country has what it takes to be a world power in scientific innovations.