By Abdullahi Alhassan
The leadership of the Partners for Legislative Agenda (PLAN)has called for the general public to support the bill before the National Assembly which seeks to establish the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria (establishment bill 2022).
The association observed added that the passage of the bill to establish the research institute 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.
This is contained in a Press statement signed and made available to Journalists in Abuja by
Mallam Khalifa Adamu Bello
National coordinator
Partnership for legislative Agenda (PLAN)
The statement further explained that, “it 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 like” ethylene “.
The 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 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.
“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.
“The importance of the research institute to enhancing our economic activities for our population, industries and the nation at large cannot be over emphasized, especially in the use and development of our local content employment. conversion of agricultural; mineral and other raw materials into useful chemicals; processing of commercial grade chemicals to laboratory grades.
“The derivation of secondary chemicals from petrochemicals, coal, solid minerals and other materials;the production of functional polymers and engineering plastics,characterization and utilization; processing of natural and man-made fibres; establishment and operating chemical testing laboratories for industrial application; and production and development of chemical catalysis, chemical process, design, modeling and simulating, pilot plant fabrication and design of chemical analytical instruments and quality control amongst many others.
The statement concluded, “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.
