ABUJA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Tuesday said it is following the footsteps of China to develop its science, technology and innovation sector.

Speaking at an award ceremony for outstanding local civil servants in Abuja, Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonnaya Onu said the Nigerian government has recognized the important position occupied by science and technology in the development of its economy.

Onu said Nigeria wants to follow China's footsteps as it aims to become a leader in science and technology in Africa.

"This is the surest way to create wealth for the nation, create jobs and opportunities for our people, so as to drastically reduce unemployment and poverty in the nation," the official said.

China has made a significant advancement in all areas of technology, he told the guests at the award ceremony.

Onu said the government had essentially intensified research innovation and increase the awareness among Nigerians of the importance of science, technology and innovation.

Last August, Nigeria's governing council approved a new and revolutionary 13-year science and technology roadmap, classified into short-term, medium-term and long-term implementation plans to strengthen the role of science, technology, and innovation in the future development goals of the Africa's most populous country.