http://www.newsportng.com.ng Advocate for good governance under the auspices of partnership for legislative agenda, (PLAN) has called on the speaker, Federal House of Representatives Rt Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila to as a matter of necessity pass the bill seeking establishment of National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, (NARICT) into law.
The National Coordinator, PLAN Mallam Khalifa Adamu Bello, made the call in a press statement made available to Journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said the bill will enhance productivity and give Nigeria edge to compete with other nations of the world.
According to Khalifa, the NARICT bill upon success will place Nigeria at par with countries like Singapore and others in the production of chemicals and petrochemical products which are essential to human lives against the high cost of leather importation.
He further expressed optimism that the speaker who is pro-people and father to all, will use his good office for the sake of posterity and sign the bill, hence the need for them to voice out so that the necessary actions can be taken at the right time which is now.
Khalifa said, “The research institute which the bill seeks to establish, will provide a globally competitive and environmentally friendly research and innovation in the processing and conversion of indigenous raw materials into valuable chemicals and petrochemical products for the development of chemical, biochemical and man-made fibre technologies for industrial applications in Nigeria.
“Hence, will place Nigeria at par with countries like Singapore and others in the production of chemicals and petrochemical products which are essential to our lives and living, for instance:
“Ethylene: This substance is commonly used to make different types of films and plastics. It can be found in cleaning agents such as detergents as well as lubricants for various mechanical components such as industrial valves.
“Benzene: Benzene which is used to make nylons which are helpful in the packaging industry. Certain nylon fibers are also used to make clothes.
“Medical resins used in the medical industry. Some of these resins can purify drugs and others are used to create different types of treatments, especially for those with AIDS or cancer.
“Medical Plastics: The healthcare industry requires a lot of disposable products made from plastic such as bottles, medical syringes, etc. Petroleum can be used to create such plastics in various shapes and sizes.
“Food Preservatives: Different types of petrochemical products can be used in the food industry to create preservatives. These substances prolong the shelf life of foods stored in cans and bags. Some ingredients found in candies and food colorings are also made from various types of petrochemical products to enhance their flavor and taste and also chemicals which are used for special applications by manufacturing firms that make the following products: Pharmaceuticals, paint, adhesives and agricultural products.
“In lieu of the above and in the interest of Nigeria, Nigerians and the generations yet unborn that we wish to CALL for the speedy passage of this bill by the house of representatives led by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. For posterity will judge him and the entire members fairly and wonderfully well for the interest of the nation and it’s masses they have at heart, this is because of the attention and commitment they give to such human and developmental bills in the past.” He said.
The Coordinator also applauded the effort of the Jos south/Jos East Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Musa Dacchung Bagos for sponsoring the bill which according to them intends to develop the nation and place Nigeria amongst the top advanced countries in chemical research, technology and management.
They called on him and other members of the House of Representatives to write their names in history and the sand of time by seeing to the logical passage and assent to the bill.
