One of the highlights of the event was the Networking Lunch on day two, with a discussion tagged: “Technology & Nigerian Content: What Are The Next Steps?” Chaired by Geoff Onuoha, CEO/Executive Director, BG Technical Limited and Chairman Conferences Committee, PETAN, the session, began with a keynote address delivered by Engr Ernest Nwapa, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, ably represented by Engr Chijioke Okorie, General Manger of Monitoring, NCDMB. A bevy of salient, pressing questions were fielded and thoroughly addressed by the speakers in an engaging debate, and deeper insights were gained by all present.

Engr Adebanji Babarinde, Technical Director, Kaztec Engineering Limited, was one of the speakers on the panel. Addressing the question on the challenges of Research and Development (R&D) in Nigeria, he stated that R&D suffered from a plethora of issues including poor funding, lack of specialization, lack of a research culture and investment in non-vital research areas. He advocated that universities and other research institutes, instead of posturing as jacks-of-all-trades, should find their areas of comparative advantage, so that research funding isn`t spread thin. He called for cooperation among the NCDMB, PTDF and the universities. To cap it off, he called for clearer research project cycles, with proper feedback and clearly delineated deliverables, with proper follow-up and monitoring to ensure success.

In all, the NOGTech 2013 was a resounding success. Kaztec Engineering Ltd had an excellent outing, showcasing its formidable service portfolio, and forging new relationships for future accomplishments.