If Tinubu is serious about succeeding he should make creating a Technology Acquisition Bureau before he gets sworn-in an immediate priority 

Ayo Akinfe 

[1] If Bola Tinubu is serious about his new assignment, he will realise that he cannot achieve anything unless he can make the Nigerian economy more competitive. That he cannot do without a significant technology transfer 

[2] It is naive of us to think that the industrialised world will take pity on us and suddenly transfer the needed technology to us. They are well aware of the fact that it will convert us into a competitor from a dumping ground 

[3] Maybe Tinubu can start with the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8. It is an association for development co-operation made up of Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey

[4] For those who may not know, the objectives of D-8 are to improve member states' position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations. It is also to enhance participation in decision-making at international level and improve standards of living

[5] As we grapple around looking for solutions to our plethora of infrastructural development problems, I wonder why we have not reached out to the other members of the D8. Countries like Malaysia and Turkey could offer a lot when it comes to power distribution and railway construction for instance

[6] For instance, why has Malaysia’s car giant Proton not entered into a joint venture with Innoson to mass produce a cheap taxi in Lagos to replace the Okada and Keke?

[7] Why has Turkey not shared its expertise with us on how to built an urban railway network. Do you know Istanbul metro includes opening a tunnel under the Straits of Bosporus that links Europe and Asia? 

[8] Nigeria has been building the Lagos Metro since 2009, yet every other member of the G8 completed their urban railway network within four years. Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Istanbul, all have thriving urban metros. Why are we not seeking to catch up with everyone else?

[9] Seen as potential big economic players, the G8 nations were expected to account for between 10% and 15% of world trade by now. We can only do that unless we start manufacturing. Bola Tinubu should make expanding manufacturing his number one priority! 

[10] Were I in Bola Tinubu’s shoes, I would create this new Directorate of Technology Acquisition and mandate it to acquire the technology behind equipment like aircraft carriers, electric cars, submarines, stealth bombers, etc by 2025