The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to leverage strategic international partnerships to accelerate innovation, deepen research outcomes and drive sustainable national development, as he received the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, on a courtesy visit today at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit provided an opportunity to formally congratulate the Honourable Minister on his recent appointment and to reaffirm the long-standing, strategic partnership between the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), anchored on shared priorities in Innovation, Science, Technology (STI) development and human capital advancement.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in critical areas of research, innovation and technology, with a shared commitment to harnessing science and innovation as key drivers of job creation, improved livelihoods and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The EU delegation briefed the Honourable Minister on major forthcoming initiatives under the EU–Nigeria cooperation framework, including the first-ever Nigeria–EU Science and Innovation Day, scheduled for 24 February at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Creative Arts, Lagos; the commencement of negotiations for a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agreement between the European Union and Nigeria; and the next phase of cooperation under Horizon Europe – Phase IV, which will support Africa Initiative IV with approximately €600 million. The programme is expected to significantly expand opportunities for Nigerian researchers, innovators, institutions and startups to access global research funding, grants and collaborative networks.
The European Union emphasized its strong interest in deepening collaboration with FMIST to deliver practical, people-centred outcomes, noting that enhanced partnerships in research, digital innovation, capacity building and technology transfer would strengthen institutions and promote inclusive national development.
Dr. Udeh reaffirmed FMIST’s readiness to work closely with the European Union to accelerate and energise the commercialisation of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote knowledge exchange and position Nigeria as a leading hub for science, technology and innovation in Africa.
Both parties expressed strong optimism about expanding cooperation and agreed to sustain high-level engagements to ensure the effective implementation of joint programmes and initiatives strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mrs. Pauline Sule,anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
