REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS This paper presentation will be logically phased under concrete heading. Foremost a cursory look at the background information relating to the under discourse will be put in place. Also is the definition of essential terms relating to the subject- matter. Subsequently, we shall embark upon the examination of legal frameworks and the relevant bodies responsibility for the transfer of technology in Nigeria, as well as the challenges and prospects. And then draw our conclusion and recommendation. Background Information Technology transfer is an important aspect of the new international order, it has been perceived by Third World states that there can be development without technology and that the fastest ways of facilitating their development is with the acquisition of readily available technology from the industrialized, developed nations of the world. The history of Nigeria development has essentially been a reflection of the developments in other third worlds and to a greater or lesser extent any examination of the Nigerian experience will show the practical effect of the problems encountered and solutions applied by the class of states for technology acquisition.

The 1970’s was an era of indiscriminate import of various technologies into developing countries – Nigeria especially. Industrialized efforts mainly of turnkey packages with technological of link to to the environment. countries Uncoordinated was lacking. technology inflows. Interaction code of conduct on Transfer Technology developing Technology transfer contracts contained a very unfair conditions: monopoly pricing, restrictive business practices; export restrictions, high royalty rates; tie-in clauses (with respect to equipment, raw materials, components etc) little comprehensive activities etc. It is to be noted that the recent increasing privatization of knowledge, the globalization of technology and the world economy, the growing technological protection is on the part of the developed countries, the emergence of new technologies and the rise of strategic alliances primarily among the developed countries are threats of diminishing access to cheap technologies by developing countries like Nigeria. These developments, as highlighted above makes it imperative to have a clearer technology acquisition and development policy that will facilitate access to and mastery of technologies, create an environment conducive to technology acquisition and innovation, and promote a more training and management succession programmes, poor/weak local Research and Development

efficient process of selecting, acquiring, negotiating and assimilating, imported technologies. To this end, a significant change in the complexion of institutions involved with technology transfer and acquisition is desired specifically that shift to a technology ‘user friendly’ approach oriented towards promotional with the and advisory services is needed of compared previous regulatory approach

technology institutions of the 70’s. 0 Definition of Terms word in its ordinary parlance before a

At this juncture, it is unavoidably imperative to define each individual comprehensive definition of the term “Technology Transfer” will be successfully undertaken. In this case the word ‘technology’ and ‘transfer’ will be definite in isolation in their literal or ordinary meanings. According to the Dictionary of Contemporary English defines the word ‘technology’ as “new machines, equipment, and was of doing things” is being defined as a the process by which someone or something moves or is moved from one place , job etc to another. While the Black Law Dictionary defines transfer as “to convey or remove from one place or one person to another.3 In a more technical sense, the term technology has been used in several context depending on the point of view of the user. A definition that is sufficiently comprehensive for