The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as a strategic driver of national development, economic diversification and industrial transformation, with the approval of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3-Day National Concertation on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Operationalisation of the NRIDF organized by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and its agency, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in collaboration with UNESCO, the Honourable Minister of FMIST, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to establish a sustainable innovation financing framework. He emphasized that the Fund will accelerate research commercialization, industrial growth, job creation and global competitiveness.
Dr. Udeh noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognizes STI as a critical enabler across key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, energy and the digital economy. He stressed the importance of collaboration among government, academia, research institutions, industry and development partners to translate research outputs into commercially viable products with measurable socio-economic impact.
Work is already underway under the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to prepare an Executive Bill that will provide the legal and institutional framework for the operationalisation of the NRIDF. Dr. Udeh expressed confidence that the National Assembly would give speedy consideration to the Bill once presented.
The Minister further highlighted that the NRIDF aligns with FMIST’s flagship initiative, Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN), championed by Her Excellency, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He added that the Fund would catalyze private sector participation, sustainable innovation financing, and the development of a performance-oriented STI ecosystem capable of driving innovation-led enterprises and economic prosperity.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of FMIST, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni, explained that the concertation was designed to connect research outputs with societal and industrial needs, ensuring that “our laboratories become our factories.” He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strategically align with global partners, including the United Nations system, to reposition STI as a central pillar for economic diversification and national development.
In his remarks, Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, mni, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of SHESTCO, emphasized that innovation thrives within an ecosystem where government, academia, industry and development partners collaborate effectively to create economic value and societal benefits.
Dr. Enang Moma, Head of Science Sector at UNESCO, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to partnering with FMIST to transform research outputs into products and services that will benefit Nigeria’s economy.
In alignment with these national efforts, Dr. Oghuma, Deputy Director and Head of Engineering and Emerging Technologies Service Team of SITOPE0-5, played a prominent role as a panel discussant at the Strengthening UK–West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Partnerships for Sustainable Development Workshop held in Abuja during the week.
Dr. Oghuma’s contributions underscored his commitment to fostering international collaboration and driving innovation-led growth. He spoke on STI frameworks and building performance-oriented systems within the context of Executive Order 5, stressing the need to promote Nigerian content in programs, contracts, science, engineering, technology, and innovation—particularly in the non-oil and gas sectors. He reminded participants that the Order was approved and gazetted in 2018 and reaffirmed in 2024 by the Tinubu administration.
Highlighting the local content perspective, Dr. Oghuma stated: “Performance means nothing if the STI system ignores local content—innovation must speak the language of the community.”
The workshop marked a significant step in reinforcing bilateral cooperation between the UK and West Africa with a focus on leveraging science, technology and innovation to achieve sustainable development goals.
Looking ahead, both the national concertation and the UK–West Africa workshop collectively brought together representatives of the National Assembly, heads of agencies and research institutes, members of academia, private sector stakeholders, development partners and key players within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Together, these initiatives signal Nigeria’s renewed determination to strengthen its National Innovation System, expand international partnerships and advance sustainable national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
