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 a 3-Day National Concertation on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the Operationalisation of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), organized by Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and its Agency – Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO),in collaboration with United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO), the Honourable Minister FMIST, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN said the initiative represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to establish a sustainable innovation financing framework capable of accelerating research commercialisation, industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
The Minister stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises STI as a critical enabler across key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, energy, and the digital economy. He stressed that Nigeria must deliberately strengthen collaboration among government, academia, research institutions, industry, and development partners in order to translate research outputs into commercially viable products and measurable socio-economic impact.
According to Udeh, work is already ongoing under the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice towards the preparation of the Executive Bill that will provide the legal and institutional framework for the operationalisation of the NRIDF. He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would give speedy consideration to the Bill when presented for legislative action.
The Minister further noted that the NRIDF aligns strongly with the Ministry’s flagship initiative, Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN), championed by Her Excellency, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He added that the Fund would serve as a catalyst for 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, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni said the concertation was designed to connect research outputs with societal and industrial needs, ensuring that “our laboratories become our factories.” He added that the Ministry would 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 opening remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, mni stated that innovation thrives within an ecosystem where government, academia, industry, and development partners collaborate effectively to create economic value and societal benefits.
Also speaking in her welcoming speech , Dr. Enang Moma, Head of Science Sector at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to transform research outputs into products and services that will benefit Nigeria’s economy.
The concertation 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 to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the country’s National Innovation System and advancing sustainable national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sule Pauline (Mrs), anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
