………Udeh Highlights Importance of First Ever Nigeria House to STI Ecosystem.
Leading a high-level Nigerian delegation, Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, and the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, are attending the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.
On Monday, January 19, 2026, Vice President Kashim Shettima formally inaugurated the Nigeria House in Davos, Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s strategic re-engagement with the global economic community.
The unveiling of the pavilion underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to active participation in global economic dialogue, partnership, and investment promotion.
The Vice President described the establishment of Nigeria House as a clear demonstration of the nation’s seriousness, preparedness, and determination to reposition itself as a key contributor to global economic discourse.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s growth trajectory is anchored on deliberate, structured, and mutually beneficial engagement with international partners.
He further explained that Nigeria House was designed as a whole-of-government platform, integrating leadership across key sectors including trade, investment, foreign affairs, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate, and culture. He added, however, that the long-term success of the initiative would be driven by strong private sector participation and enterprise.
At the Forum, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, is engaging global leaders, investors, and technology stakeholders to advance innovation-led growth, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and sustainable development. These engagements align with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Udeh, Nigeria is deliberately positioning Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a central pillar for economic diversification, competitiveness, and inclusive national development.
The Minister stated the strategic importance of Nigeria House to the STI ecosystem,stating that the pavilion provides a unique platform for businesses, governments, organizations, and innovators attending the World Economic Forum to engage Nigeria across diverse economic and social sectors.
Dr. Kingsley explained that Nigeria House will facilitate investment discussions, foster partnerships in science, technology and innovation, and host events showcasing opportunities across Nigeria’s economy, national priorities, continental obligations, and international engagements.
He further explained that Nigeria’s participation at the WEF presents an opportunity to project the country’s STI potential to global players, clearly articulate national priorities and roadmaps, and attract strategic partnerships with global political and business leaders.
The Minister added that while engagements are ongoing, early outcomes and breakthroughs have already been recorded within the Nigerian STI ecosystem, with expectations of increased benefits in the medium to long term.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Vice President’s leadership and support for the initiative, describing Nigeria House as a product of effective public-private collaboration and a symbol of renewed national confidence and pride.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yano; heads of government agencies; and captains of industry.
The World Economic Forum 2026 is slated to run from January 19 to 23. Members of Nigeria’s delegation, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, are expected to participate fully in high-level discussions and bilateral engagements aimed at attracting investments that align with the Federal Government’s reform and development agenda.
Signed
Mrs. Pauline Sule,anipr
Head,Press & Public Relations
