The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector, professional bodies, academia and other key stakeholders to accelerate indigenous technology development, research commercialisation and innovation-driven economic growth. The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, gave the assurance at the Young Engineers Innovation Summit 2026 held in Abuja with the theme, “Engineering Solutions for Energy Security and Digital Transformation.” The Minister was represented by National Cordinator/ Chief Executive of the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Executive Order 5(STOPPO-5), Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, FNSE
Describing the summit’s theme as timely and strategic, the Minister noted that engineering remains the backbone of national development, industrial competitiveness and technological advancement. He stressed that achieving energy security is fundamental to Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable economic development, explaining that reliable, affordable and clean energy is indispensable for powering industries, stimulating innovation, creating jobs and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Dr. Udeh stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, places innovation, energy sufficiency, digital transformation and industrialisation at the centre of Nigeria’s economic agenda. He emphasised that engineers have a pivotal role in translating government policies into practical, technology-driven solutions capable of addressing national challenges, boosting productivity and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive innovation economy.
Highlighting the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s flagship initiative, Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN), the Minister explained that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between research institutions, industry, investors and the marketplace by accelerating the commercialisation of research outcomes and indigenous technologies. According to him, the initiative will transform scientific discoveries into market-ready products and services, strengthen Nigeria’s technological independence, expand investment opportunities and create sustainable employment for the nation’s growing population.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, represented by his Technical Assistant, Engr. Dr. Kazeem Suleiman, FNSE, described the summit as a strategic platform for engineers, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and development partners to advance innovative engineering solutions that will drive energy security, digital transformation and inclusive economic growth. In his remarks, the President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to enhancing professional competence, strengthening collaboration with government, industry and academia, and providing expert guidance that supports national development and sustainable engineering practice.
The summit underscored the Federal Government’s resolve, through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, to leverage Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as key drivers of economic diversification, industrial competitiveness and national prosperity. It also reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that will unlock the full potential of Nigerian engineers and innovators in advancing sustainable development and delivering the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press & Public Relations
