The House Committee on Science and Technology, on Wednesday at Otta, Ogun State, called on the citizenry to embrace new technologies on alternative building and construction materials.

The new building technology was developed by the Nigerian Buiding and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). NBRRI Public Relations Officer, Mr Daniel Makava, in a statement, quoted the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Akinlade Isiaf, as making the call during the committee's visit to NBRRI office at Otta.

The Otta office houses the institute's national laboratory and production centre.

He quoted the chairman as saying that the innovation has the potential to create employment, reduce poverty and contributes to the realisation of President Umaru Yar'Adua's seven-point agenda.

He said that the new technology will make buildings cheaper and more durable than the conventional one.

The statement said that the visit of the committee was part of the oversight functions of the committee and also quoted NBRRI Director General, Joseph Ali, as saying that the institute will continue to contribute its quota to the technological development of the country.

He said the committee should help the institute to attract the necessary funding from government to enable it effectively deliver on its mandate.

(NAN)