Technology in Nigeria: Prospects & Challenges for Development

Technology Defined:

- Application of practical sciences to Industry and Commerce

- Theories, Methods and practices governing such applications

- Knowledge and skills towards solving societal issues and problems

- Technology is applicable to different human endeavours

- It is a means of human advancement in time and space

1.0

Need for Modern Technology

- Change

- Population Increase

- Increase in Demand

- Pressure on Land

- Better service delivery

- Time Management

- Modern Economy

- Cultural Evolution

- Globilization

2.0

Prospects of Modern Technology - Vision and Development Agenda in some states

like Lagos - Availability of Land - Availability of Labour (skilled Labour in states like

Lagos) - Development of Information

Communication/Technologies - Availability of Development Plans/Schemes - Stable polity - Security Apparatus in states like Lagos - Efficient Public Service system

3.0

Prospects cont’d… - Visionary Leadership

- Enabling policies and structures

- Focused Ministry of Science and Technology

- Investment friendliness of Lagos State

- Socio-Ecomic Infrastructure, etc

- Availability of Research studies and Institutes

3.1

Modern Technology & Lagos Experience

Focus on ORACLE: - Improved Accounting System - Database, storage and retrieval - Capturing of staff data - Improved tax Administration - Budget system - Land Administration Land Information System - Mapping and Georeferencing - Urban Governance (Inter Governmental

cooperation and collaboration

3.2

Specific Areas of Need

- Infrastructural Development

- Housing

- Transportation

- Education

- Agriculture

- Health Care

- ProductionTourism

- Surveying/Town Planning, etc

4.0

Challenges to Modern Technology - Security - Lack of Infrastructure of database - Lack of adequate research studies - Political Instability - Capital (funds)/Budgetary allocation - Government policy - Bureaucratic control - Sustainability issues - Lack of skilled manpower - Importation and transfer of technology versus Local

Technology - Politics: Skilled manpower versus mediocrity

5.0

CONCLUSION - Level of Technology determines level of socio-

economic development in Nigeria - Technological development has direct relationship with

standard of living - Technological development depends on the Leadership Vision Development of local technology Institutional framework Enabling policy Funding Capacity building etc

6.0

The Physical and socio-economic development in Nigeria depends on Technological Development

6.1

Manpower Technology Development

GDP Favourable Balance of Trade

Foreign Reserve Standard of Living

DECISION:

- Are we ready?

- Are we ready to pay the price, are we ready to sacrifice?

- Whatever decisions we take have consequences on our existing situations

7.0