The Federal Executive Council has declared a state of emergency in the science and technology sector.

The development is part of Federal Government’s efforts to boost local production in line with its Economic Recovery and Growth Plans.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday after the Council’s meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The minister stressed the need for Nigeria to reduce its dependence on imports and encourage technological advancements in the country through a technology acquisition policy.

According to him, the initiative will help Nigerian firms to produce what the country needs as well as boost foreign investment in science, technology and engineering to develop local content.

On his part, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, hinted that the Council approved N20.6bn for the construction of roads in Kwara and Plateau states.