The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments to drive innovation-led economic growth, describing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a critical pillar for achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) 2026 in Jos, Plateau State, the Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a $1 trillion economy will require deliberate investments in research, innovation, technology development and commercialization across all levels of government.
Dr. Udeh noted that the Federal Government’s STI interventions are anchored on the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2022, which seeks to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and technological advancement. According to him, the policy aligns with Nigeria Agenda 2050 and places science and innovation at the heart of economic growth, job creation, food security and national competitiveness.
He further stressed that Nigeria must move beyond the era where valuable research outcomes remain confined to laboratories and academic journals without creating tangible economic impact. He stated that the Federal Government is prioritizing the commercialization of research and innovation through policies and programmes that ensure technologies developed by researchers and innovators are transformed into marketable products and services capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and solving societal challenges.
Central to this effort, he explained, is the Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN) Initiative, the Federal Government’s flagship programme designed to accelerate the movement of innovations from laboratories to markets. The initiative identifies commercially viable innovations, connects innovators with investors and industries, strengthens intellectual property management and supports incubation and scale-up opportunities. Dr. Udeh described ECoN as a national platform that provides state governments, research institutions, universities and private sector actors with opportunities to collaborate in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that delivers measurable economic outcomes.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to establish the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), a strategic financing mechanism aimed at providing sustainable support for research, innovation, prototyping and commercialization activities across the country. He noted that leading innovation-driven economies have achieved sustained growth through dedicated funding structures and institutional support for research and development, adding that Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to replicate such models in order to unlock the full potential of its innovation ecosystem.
Addressing the opportunities available to subnational governments, Dr. Udeh urged states to establish innovation-friendly institutions, including Innovation Councils, Research Commercialization Offices, Innovation Funds and Technology Transfer Platforms. He identified Plateau State as one of the states well-positioned to leverage science and technology for agricultural productivity, mining development, renewable energy deployment and digital transformation. He also encouraged stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and development partners to bridge the gap between research and industry while creating pathways for innovation-driven investments and employment generation.
The Minister commended the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for convening PLASSTIFEST 2026 and demonstrating the state’s commitment to innovation-driven development. He reiterated FMIST’s readiness to partner with Plateau State and other subnational governments to deepen research commercialization, strengthen innovation ecosystems and accelerate national development. He called on stakeholders to translate discussions from the festival into actionable projects and investments that will position Nigeria as a leading knowledge-based economy powered by science, technology and innovation.
Pauline Sule (Mrs),anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations,
FMIST
1/6/26
