The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s innovation landscape into a commercially driven engine of economic growth, as the Honourable Minister, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, hailed Enugu State’s bold leadership in technology and digital governance at the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival (ETF).
Speaking at the four-day festival, held from 24–27 February 2026 at the International Conference Centre, the Minister described Enugu as a model of subnational innovation excellence and a clear example of how technology can be embedded into governance, security, education, and public service delivery.
Dr. Udeh commended the Enugu State Government for pioneering forward-thinking initiatives, including the state’s Command and Control Centre, which has strengthened security architecture, the digitisation and automation of the judicial system, the deployment of e-governance solutions across the public service, and the establishment of Smart Green Schools. He noted that these initiatives reflect a deliberate strategy to position technology as a driver of inclusive development and sustainable growth.
According to the Minister, ETF 2026 signals Nigeria’s decisive transition from technological dependence to indigenous innovation powered by local talent, research, and creativity.
“ETF is not just a festival of ideas,” he stated. “It is a platform for converting innovation into measurable economic value. The Federal Government is prioritising the commercialisation of research and competitive outcomes to ensure that innovations move beyond laboratories and exhibitions into the marketplace—creating jobs, generating income, and delivering real solutions to Nigerians.”
Dr. Kingsley emphasised that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, FMIST is building a robust innovation ecosystem that connects researchers, start-ups, investors, and industry players—ensuring that viable ideas presented at the festival are developed into market-ready products and scalable enterprises.
He assured participants that promising innovations emerging from ETF 2026 will receive the necessary institutional support to move from concept to commercial application, reinforcing the Ministry’s resolve to turn research excellence into economic opportunity.
With ETF 2026, FMIST further underscores its national mandate: to Energise, Industrialise, and Commercialise Nigeria’s innovation potential—positioning science and technology at the heart of economic transformation.
Signed
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST
