The Federal Government should increase its spending on Research and Development if the country must realise the aspiration of becoming one of the 20 leading economies by 2020.

Education Minister Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed-Rufai said this in Abuja yesterday at a scientific roundtable organized by Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO). She said failure to invest in research and development would further widen the gap between Nigeria and the developed countries.

According to her, it is essential for this country to have a strong science policy that would guide its preparation of a roadmap for efficient participation in science and technology enterprise for development.

The minister, who was represented at the occasion by an assistant director in the ministry, Mr. Fabiyi Abiodun, said strategic orientation of Science and Technology, within the national development framework was a determinant of the nation's potential for growth.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of SHESTCO, Prof. Sunday Thomas, said the decreasing level of research and development in the country was worrisome. Prof. Thomas said no country could develop without paying proper attention to the issue of research and development.