The Director General, Defence Research and Development Bureau, DRDB Jomo Osahor said the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, NILEST Kaduna State, and DRDB on research and development of footwear for the Armed Forces will save Nigeria about N20 billion naira annually.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Osahor said it would also help to provide employment and build capacities.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Bitrus Bako Nabasu said the MoU is part of the drive to diversify the economy and conserve foreign exchange.
He added the initiative would also help in the effective exploitation of natural resources.
According to Nabasu, the ministry is committed to implementing the MoU.
Earlier, the Acting Director General, NILEST Eucharia Oparah said the bilateral partnership would reduce capital flight and promote made-in-Nigeria goods.
