Press Unit

PRESS RELEASE 18th November,2025 The Federal Government said it will provide policy support and incentives to the Automotive Sector and make Nigeria the undisputable hub for both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) in West Africa. The Vice President HE Kashim Shettima GCON represented by the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN made this statement today at the 25th Abuja International Motor Fair, with the theme:”Driving Nigerians Automotive Future: Innovation, Sustainability and Growth”. According to the Vice President, the theme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present Administration which encourages Nigerians to produce what we consume and consume what we produce and the commitment to transform the country into auto-motive hub of Sub-Sahara Africa. Shettima pointed out that the automotive sector is not a sight project but the engine of our Renewed Hope Agenda that is dynamic where manufacturing, technology, youth employment and our energy transition converge to a single force for national development. The Vice President noted that the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit is critical and cushions the effects of economic adjustment and provides lasting affordable relief to millions of Nigerians. Kashim reinterated that there is need for innovative, bespoke financing packages with single-digit interest rates, specifically for made-in-Nigeria vehicles for affordability of the masses. He urged commercial institutions to explore innovative approaches to financing and supporting the automotive sector in the country. In his speech, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Sen. John Owenoh Owan said the Ministry considers the Automotive sector as a critical driver in advancing the nation’s economic objectives of the current administration. He added that the fair serves as a vital platform to showcase the tangible progress made at the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and he commended the Local Assemblers and Component Manufacturers whose resilience and innovation continues to demonstrate Made-in-Nigeria can compete favorably in quality and value. Earlier, the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Mr.Oluwemimo Joseph said that the Agency is accelerating efforts to boost local content and reduce import dependency. Pauline Sule (Mrs) aniprHead Press (PPRU)

PRESS RELEASE 29th October, 2025 The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, has said that the Ministry is working tirelessly in making sure that gender equality becomes an integral part of the innovation agenda across its existing projects and programs. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Gender Head of the Ministry, Mrs. Dola Ronnel Gambo said this at a One Day Workshop on Advancing Gender Mainstreaming in Science, Technology and Innovation, today in Abuja. According to Esuabana, gender mainstreaming is not an afterthought but a deliberate and systematic approach to integrating Gender perspectives into every stage of the ministry\’s mandates and visions. She pointed out that Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) being the bedrock of national development has the potential to transform all sectors of the economy, yet gender disparities persist within the landscape as we continue to face barriers in access to funding, mentorship and technology infrastructure. The Permanent Secretary emphasizes that the workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect, share experiences, and chart practical pathways for implementing gender mainstreaming across the STI sector, adding that the knowledge and recommendation that will emerge from the deliberation will serve as a guide for institutional strengthening within the Ministry and beyond. She then encourages the participants to engage actively and exchange ideas that can build a future where innovation serves everyone. Earlier the Gender Desk Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Eneh Fisayo Omawumi, said that the workshop is timely and essential, as gender mainstreaming in Science and Technology is not only about fairness but also efficiency, innovation, and sustainability for societal development. Pauline Sule (Mrs.) aniprHead(Press & PRU)

PRESS RELEASE 10th October, 2025 The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has charged staff of the Ministry, it’s Agencies and all stakeholders in innovation, science and technology to equip themselves with knowledge and be well informed as custodians of knowledge and channels of accurate information to the wider society. Mrs. Esubana made this statement at the 2-day sensitization workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) organized by the Ministry in collaboration with it’s Agency- the National Biotechnology Research Development Agency ( NABRDA) today, in Abuja. According to the Permanent Secretary, the sensitization workshop is aimed at equipping the staff with accurate knowledge, correct misconceptions that have arisen from misinformation, provide clarity on what GMOs are and what they are not and also highlight the benefits and risks associated with GMOs so as to make informed contributions to national discourse. She pointed out that for a developing country like Nigeria, grappling with the challenges of food insecurity, climate change, population growth it is crucial for the nation to embrace innovation that can help guarantee sustainable food production and reduction in cost of food items to the barest minimum. Esuabana urged the participants to be open minded, engage actively, ask questions and seek clarification so that at the end we will all have a deeper appreciation of GMOs as well as become ambassadors of accurate knowledge within and outside the service. In a goodwill message, the Director-General National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Barrister Bello Bwari said that for scientific discoveries to become authentic, it goes through processes of validation and revalidation to ensure that it is safe for human consumption and the environment. He further said that because of the importance of GMOs around the world, the federal government in its wisdom established agencies like NBMA to verify the products if it’s safe for human consumption and the environment. Earlier the Director-General National Biotechnology Research Development Agency (NBRDA) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said that the Agency is committed to advancing biotechnology in ways that are save, transparent, and socially beneficial by harnessing sound science so that innovation can serve the people, sustain the environment, and accelerate national development goals. He added that the workshop presents a timely platform to explore the science, regulatory frame work, scientific innovation in agricultural biotechnology, the measurable benefits of greater resilience to pests and drought, reduce reliance on chemicals, pesticide, improve nutrition quality, higher yields as well as real-world experiences of farmers and communities in Nigeria who are pioneering the cultivation of genetically modify crops. Pauline Sule (Mrs.)aniprHead (Press & PRU)

PRESS RELEASE 7th October, 2025 The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that, for Civil Service to attain a greater height, honesty, faith, courage, joy and love must be inculcated into the lives of Civil Servants. Mrs. Esuabana made thisstatement during the SERVICOM Customer Service week celebration today, in Abuja. According to the Permanent Secretary, SERVICOM was established in march 21st 2004 as a Presidential initiative saddled with the responsibility of rendering quick and satisfactory service in all Government Agencies and Nigerians at large. She said that the theme of this year’s event: “Mission Possible’’ is apt, therefore it means that Nigerians can achieve its mission, adding that civil servants should work with best of their ability through punctuality and commitment to duties. Esuabana also called on our Engineers and Technicians to find solutions to energy problem through local inventions and initiatives in order to enhance industrial growth in the country. She then commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring that security issues are tackled in the country, making it possible for citizens to go about their businesses without security threat. Speaking, the representative of the National Coordinator Servicom, Dr. Ben Onche Olufu said that in terms of Service Delivery, there is no mission that is impossible and in order to achieve the impossible, it requires strategy, collaboration, commitment, team work, creativity, resilience and excellence. Earlier, the Deputy Director Reform Coordination Service Improvement and Innovation, Mrs. Emma Expo said that the Customer Week is aimed at recognizing and appreciating customer, support teams, improve staff engagement, strengthen stakeholder’s relationships amongst others.She added that the Ministry is committed to harnessing the power of Science, Technology and Innovation in improving the lives of Nigerians. Pauline Sule (Mrs.) aniprHead (Press & PRU)

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has called on Nigerians to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic advancement of the country. Mrs. Esuabana made this call at the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community Conference ( G-STIC 2025) today in Abuja. The conference was organized under the distinguished Chairman of Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology and Chairman, House Committee on Science, Technology and Engineering in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology through it’s Agency, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) According to the Permanent Secretary, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every sector- agriculture, health, education, energy and governance which has the potential to optimize production, predict climate risk, enhance policy efficiency and create entirely new forms of value in the digital economy of any nation. Esuabana also said that AI can be used in both positive and negative ways, hence the need for Nigerians to use the positive side of it for the betterment of the nation. She pointed out that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Africans did not die as expected because our scientists did not relent in innovating solutions that prevented the spread of the disease, adding that participants should make use of the training and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country. She tasked the stakeholders to work together and build a formidable Nigeria that will stand the test of time. Speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Innovation, Science, and Technology, Sen. Iya Abbas said that technology is the bedrock of development of any nation. He called on Nigeria to fully deploy the emerging technology to achieve remarkable economic development, as no nation had ever developed without the full deployment of technology, he added. Speaking also, the Chairman, House Committe on Innovation, Science, and Technology, Hon. Inuwa Garba said that technology is the fundamental of human existence, which everyone depends on. Therefore, the conference is apt because this is where knowledge meets application that will offer solutions to all the challenges faced in recent times. In his welcome address , the Director- General, National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM) Dr. Olushola Odusanya, said that the G-STIC conference is an international platform that champions the acceleration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technology and innovation. He added that the conference will as well discover how AI and emerging technologies can shape the future of work, education and enterprises in Nigeria as well as enhance professional capacity by gaining firsthand insights from leading experts in AI, systems thinking, and systems dynamics. Other goodwill messages pointed out that no country undermines the advancement of emerging technology that is gradually transforming all sectors of the economy of the world, and Nigeria should not be left behind. Pauline Sule ( Mrs) anipr

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that prosperity today is no longer powered by raw materials alone, but by intellectual capacity, capital, cutting edge research, local innovation and the ability to bring these innovations to the Market. The Minister disclosed this at the 22nd edition of the National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) today in Abuja. According to Nnaji the global economic landscape is evolving rapidly, nations that once struggled are now emerging as technology exporters, startup hubs and innovation driven economies not because of their natural resource, but they harnessed the power of research, development and innovation to transform the economy of their Country. The Minister further said that the theme of the event “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialized: A Circle for National Prosperity’’ encapsulates the essence of a modern and knowledge driven economy as it will reposition our nation development agenda on the foundation of research, development, innovation and commercialization (RDIC) cycle. He pointed out that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is very crucial to national development, adding that the Ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the ideals that will define the nation future, drive breakthroughs, power our industries, and create solutions that will transform the life of Nigerian citizens. Uche then, emphasized on the need to close the gap between researchers and relevance stakeholders to build an ecosystem where knowledge is not only pursued but applied, nurtured and commercialized for the good of the nation.Speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Innovation Science and Technology Sen. Aminu Iya Abbass said that no Country has ever developed without the full deployment of technological apparatus to all the sectors of the economy. He also said that the legislative arm of government will support all the activities of the Ministry and its Agencies to achieve its Technological breakthrough. In his goodwill message, the Chairman House Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Hon. Zakariya Tijjani Zannah represented by deputy clerk of the committee, Ukachukwu Chidiebere, encouraged all stakeholders to remain committed to policies and strategies that will promote the seamless integration of innovation and technology to all sectors of the economy for advancement of Nigeria. In his speech, the Secretary to Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume who was represented by the Permanent Secretary General Service, Dr. Mbaeri Maurics Nnamdi OON said that the foundation of our journey towards prosperity lies in the capacity to harness knowledge, creativity and develop practical solution that stimulate industrial growth to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians. Earlier The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye said that the summit is not just about policies or programs, but is a call to action towards creating a dynamic ecosystem where all sectors including public; private, academia, Civil Society and government work together for the benefit of the country,She explained that these common goals are to build a Nigeria that thrives on the ingenuity of its people and the potentials of its resources to tackle complex challenges that confront the Nation such as unemployment, insecurity, climate change and economic diversification that will enhance socio economy development. Other speakers, the Ambassador of Cuba H.E Niriam Morales Palmero stated that Cuba is recognized for its advancement in areas such as biotechnology, Medicine and Scientific research that has a deep interest in strengthening ties with Nigeria in STI sector adding that by working together both can move their nation to a greater height. Pauline Sule (Mrs.) ainprHead (Press& PRU) 14/05/25

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko- Asanye has said that Innovation, Science and Technology(STI) has the capacity to shape the future of our nation where Science, Technology and Innovation are not just policy priorities but practical tools that improve lives, grow our economy and secure our place in the global knowledge society. The Permanent Secretary made this statement at the 22nd meeting of the National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology(NCIST) in Abuja. According to her the 22nd Edition of the council with the theme “Research ,Develop, Innovate and Commercialize: a Cycle for National prosperity” comes at a time when Nigeria like many other nations are faced with complex and interlinked challenges such as rapid population growth, insecurity, climate change, youth unemployment, technological disruption and energy transitions of which Science, technology and Innovation should be institutionalized as fundamental pillar for addressing this challenges and propelling sustainable national development. She noted that the journey to technologically advanced and innovation driven, Nigeria requires far more than well-crafted policies, which calls for unwavering political will, strategic and sustained partnerships with a deep sense of accountability across all sectors. The Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry under the leadership of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has position itself at the forefront of Renew Hope Agenda of the present administration, steering the nation toward a sustainable growth and progress that will enhance socio-economic development of the nation. Esuabana then urged all stakeholders to engage with an open mind and a unified sense of purpose and move beyond dialogue to action for measurable recommendations that will move Nigeria to a greater height. Speaking Earlier the Permanent Secretary of Nassarawa State Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs Chammang Atinuke said that Science, Technology and Innovation is the bed rock of the development of any Country and the State Ministry is aligning with the Federal Ministry in the full deployment of scientific apparatus to all sectors of the economy, for the development of the country. In a goodwill message, the Director General of Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHETSCO) Professor Paul Onyenaekwe said that this is the time that Agencies in Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology inform Nigerians and get feedback from states and stakeholders in order to improve on their innovations and to also enhance job creation. He pledged the Agencies support to the Ministry, and to ensure full deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation apparatus to all sectors of the economy in order to move the Country to a greater height. Mrs Pauline Sule aniprHead (Press &PRU)

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that the Ministry is committed to eliminating corrupt practices, hence the need to collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in promoting those ideals to strengthen the Ministry’s anti-corruption efforts in the country. Esuabana who was represented by the Director of Special Duties Mr. Bisong Agbor, said this during the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), held today in Abuja. She noted that members of ACTU in the Ministry, need to be made effective in order to inculcate discipline within the Ministry to avoid corrupt practices and enhance positive development and progress in the service. The Permanent Secretary explained that the inauguration of the ACTU members signifies the Ministry’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability as core values in the public service, adding that the members of the Unit have been discreetly selected across the departments.She then assured them that the Ministry will adequately equip the Unit to enable them to discharge their assignment effectively in the fight against corruption. Earlier, the representative of the Hon. Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Olusegun Adigun, said that ACTU functions as a complementary body to the management operating under direct oversight of the Permanent Secretary, adding that the role is not to replace management but to strengthen efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices that will help combat corruption in the country. He urged the management to provide the necessary support by creating an enabling environment, allocating adequate funds, ensuring proper office facilities, and granting representation in standing committees as stipulated in the government’s circular. Pauline Sule(Mrs.)Head (Press & Public Relations)

The Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has said that Federal Government will unlock transformative potentials of Methanol Fuel as viable pathway for sustainable development of the nation.Mrs. Esuabana who was represented by the Director Environmental Science Technology (EST) Mrs. Ogwuche Bernadette further stated that methanol fuel technology value chain has been identified to have prospects of improving positively promoting the use of clean transportation option, reduce greenhouse emission that will prioritize climate change mitigation and enhance socio-economic development in the country. The Permanent Secretary said this, at the Stakeholder’s Workshop on Implementation of Selected Trial of Methanol Fuel Adoption, Diffusion and Promotion organized by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) today, in Abuja.She added that, the success of this zonal trials will not only inform a potential national roll-out but will position Nigeria as a leading voice in the development and deployment of methanol fuel production in the African continent.Asanye pointed out that the Ministry is working assiduously with other Ministries and Agencies to support the national polices on methanol fuel production which will help create jobs for our youth and reduce poverty to the barest minimum.The Permanent Secretary emphasize that Nigerian Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris agreement identified energy, oil and gas, transportation, industries and Agricultures as priority sectors for climate mitigation adding that the Nigerian’s reserved NDCs submitted in 2021 aims for 47% reduction in emissions by 2030.She explained that the Ministry will continue to work with stakeholders to complete the components associated with the project in the coming years in order to partake in evidence based information which will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for executive decision to move Nigeria towards a methanol driven economy.Earlier in his welcome address, the Assistant Director Ibok Edifion Environmental Science Technology (EST) has said that methanol fuel is of great importance to the nation, therefore, the Ministry is working hard with other relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria becomes one of the leading menthol fuel producers in Africa. Pauline Sule (Mrs.) ainprHead (Press & PR) 7th May, 2025

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said that Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem is ripe for commercialization; hence the need to build together the infrastructure and ecosystem to take those ideas to market.The Minister disclosed this at the Research and Innovation workshop held recently in Lagos. Nnaji who was represented by his Special Assistant Engr. Patricks Oghuma PhD noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable development is anchored in a bold strategy that prioritizes research and innovation as the foundation for solving pressing local challenges.He said that the workshop will usher in a new era in which Nigerian ideas will not only find their way into journals but will also drive industries, generate employment, and establish the nation as a goal center for innovation. The Minister emphasized that with commercialization and scaling up prototypes, the Ministry is well positioned to close the gap between research, innovation and the market, adding that this will encourage domestic technologies, lessen our dependency on foreign technologies, save foreign exchange, create jobs, and generate wealth for the benefit of the populace. He further said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation, chaired by the Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology as the Coordinating Ministry. He then urged the participants to engage actively in all sessions and network intentionally to build partnerships that will outlast the workshop and create wealth for the development of the nation. Pauline Sule (Mrs.) aniprHead (PRESS&PRU)