Press Release

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has successfully facilitated the resolution of the longstanding land dispute between the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), bringing an end to years of disagreement and paving the way for renewed collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, to his office today in Abuja, Dr. Udeh described the resolution as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation and fostering a more conducive environment for technological advancement, youth empowerment, job creation, and economic growth. The Minister also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his decisive intervention and unwavering commitment to peace and institutional harmony, noting that the Governor’s swift actions played a pivotal role in resolving the dispute and facilitating an amicable settlement between the parties. He Minister emphasized that effective collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to the success of the Federal Government’s innovation and technology agenda, noting that sustainable national development can only be achieved through strategic partnerships among government institutions, academia, and the private sector. Dr. Udeh further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to resolving challenges that may hinder the realization of Nigeria’s innovation aspirations, stressing that the restoration of harmony between the two institutions aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the drive to build a robust national innovation ecosystem. Earlier, the Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his timely intervention and exemplary leadership in resolving the protracted land dispute. He noted that the Minister’s efforts brought the parties to a common understanding and laid the foundation for stronger institutional cooperation. Dr. Raji stated that the renewed relationship between NBTI and Ebonyi State University would enhance support for startups, innovators, technology-based entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians, while further advancing NBTI’s mandate of nurturing, incubating, and commercializing indigenous technologies through technical support, business development services, and enterprise incubation programmes across the country. Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr Head, Press and Public Relations

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has underscored the critical role of forensic science in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system, enhancing public safety, and promoting evidence-based decision-making across key sectors of national development. The Minister made this known when the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni received the delegation from the Forensic Ambassadors Academy Africa on behalf of the Honorable Minister at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Udeh noted that the application of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in criminal investigations and judicial processes is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective administration of justice. He emphasized that forensic science has become an indispensable tool for combating crime and supporting national security efforts. The Minister further stated that collaboration among government institutions, professional bodies, research organizations and development partners remains vital to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and expanding the practical application of scientific knowledge for national growth and security. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to exploring areas of mutual interest with the Academy in line with FMIST’s mandate of promoting scientific research, technological advancement and innovation-driven solutions to address national challenges. According to him, strategic partnerships are key to fostering knowledge transfer, capacity building and development of critical technologies that support sustainable development. Dr.Kingsley also highlighted the importance of building indigenous expertise in forensic science and related technologies, stressing that investments in scientific innovation will contribute significantly to strengthening institutions, improving public trust and advancing justice delivery across the country. Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Forensic Ambassadors Academy Africa, Mr. Abraham Kwaghfan, described the organization as a non-governmental and non-profit institution duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a vision to raise a new generation of Africans who leverage science, technology and innovation in the pursuit of truth, justice and national security. Mr. Kwaghfan stated that the Academy is seeking collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to promote forensic science education, research, capacity development and technology adoption across Africa, while contributing to the continent’s security and development objectives. Mrs. Pauline Sule,anipr Head, Press and Public Relations

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN on Tuesday in Abuja received a high-level delegation from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), led by its Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration in advancing innovation, science, technology, and intellectual property development in Nigeria. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to leveraging innovation and intellectual property as critical drivers of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable national development. During the meeting, both parties discussed strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through the commercialization of research and development outcomes, enhanced intellectual property protection, promotion of technology-driven entrepreneurship, and support for innovators, researchers, startups, and creative enterprises. These efforts are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at accelerating economic transformation and national prosperity. Dr. Udeh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that empowers innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to national development. He emphasized that innovation, science, and technology remain central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and highlighted the importance of intellectual property rights in stimulating innovation, attracting investment, and creating wealth. The Minister further stated that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with WIPO to deepen public awareness of intellectual property, strengthen institutional frameworks, and enhance the administration and protection of intellectual property rights in the country. He noted that stronger collaboration with WIPO would help position Nigeria as a leading innovation hub in Africa. Speaking during the visit, WIPO Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, commended Nigeria’s efforts in promoting innovation and advancing science and technology for national development. He reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting the country through technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Nigerian innovators, creators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing discussions towards the drafting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a framework for deeper cooperation in innovation promotion, technology transfer, capacity development, and intellectual property management, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria. Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr Head, Press and Public Relations Unit Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST

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

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Federal Government policies and reform initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency, deepening innovation-driven governance, and enhancing productivity across public institutions in Nigeria. Dr. Mukhtar stated this during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, to the Ministry in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of strategic collaboration among government institutions in driving sustainable national development, improving service delivery, and advancing the Federal Government’s reform agenda. He noted that science, technology and innovation remain critical enablers for national growth, institutional transformation and economic competitiveness. According to him, the visit further demonstrates the strong partnership between FMIST and BPSR in advancing public sector reforms, institutional innovation and effective governance. He commended the Director-General of BPSR for his sustained efforts towards implementing impactful reforms within the Federal Civil Service, noting that such initiatives continue to positively influence governance and improve citizens’ welfare. Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, underscored the need for stronger institutional collaboration in promoting innovation-driven reforms and enhancing public service delivery across government agencies. He emphasized that innovation, science and technology remain vital pillars for national development, economic transformation and societal progress. Dr. Arabi further commended FMIST for its unwavering commitment to promoting scientific research, technological advancement and forward-looking policy initiatives geared towards sustainable development and national competitiveness. Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST

The Federal Government has intensified its push to eliminate energy deficiency in tertiary institutions with the groundbreaking on a 2-Megawatt Solar Minigrid (first of the 3-phase 7MW solar power project) in the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Wudil, Kano State. The project, driven under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Solarisation Project signals a shift from policy declarations to large-scale infrastructure delivery in the education sector. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, stated that the initiative is a strategic intervention to reposition Nigerian universities for global competitiveness. He stressed that institutions dedicated to science and technology cannot function optimally without stable and modern energy systems. The Minister explained that the project is a fully integrated energy solution comprising solar generation, battery storage, smart distribution networks, and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and efficiency. He added that the initiative also prioritizes capacity building within the university to ensure long-term sustainability. Dr. Udeh noted that the ADUST project is the third major solarisation intervention in Kano State, following similar projects at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, reflecting a deliberate and coordinated implementation strategy by the Federal Government. He emphasized that each project reinforces the administration’s commitment to measurable progress and infrastructure expansion. Dr. Kingsley also commended the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi for deploying technical diligence by conducting rigorous energy audits and ensuring transparent procurement process. The project is valued at approximately ₦3.79 billion. The event drew key stakeholders from government, academia, and the energy sector, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development driven by science, technology, and innovation. Pauline Sule(Mrs),anipr Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST 29/4/2026

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, today officially launched the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano, declaring it a bold national movement to convert Nigeria’s vast innovation potential into tangible economic prosperity. Expressing her delight at returning to Kano—a city she fondly recalled from her National Youth Service days and described as a land of vast opportunities—the First Lady applauded the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN for conceptualizing ECoN. She urged sustained collaboration between the Ministry and North-West Governors to ensure long-term impact, noting that despite prevailing challenges, Nigerian innovations continue to stand tall globally. She emphasized the urgent need to create an enabling environment for innovation to thrive and compete internationally. In his opening remarks , the Executive Governor of Kano State, HE Abba Kabir Yusuf, described ECoN as a strategic intervention to break the long-standing disconnect between research, innovation, and the marketplace. He noted that the initiative will ensure that ideas generated in universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs are no longer abandoned on shelves but transformed into viable market products. The Governor added that the presence of the First Lady is a powerful affirmation of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transform Nigeria from a nation of ideas into a nation of industries. The Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation,Science and Technology,Dr.Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh,SAN in his address, described ECoN as a transformative national platform designed to bridge the long-standing gap between research and real economic value. He stated that for decades, Nigeria’s innovations remained largely confined to laboratories, with limited access to markets and financing. ECoN, he explained, is the government’s decisive response—engineered to move ideas from concept to capital and from prototype to prosperity. Udeh further revealed that ECoN will be deployed across all geopolitical zones as an integrated national ecosystem, fostering inter-state collaboration, healthy competition, and shared ownership of innovation outcomes. The programme features investor-ready pitching sessions, real-time deal rooms for innovators and investors, and a forthcoming National Deal Room that will connect Nigeria’s best innovations to global capital. Highlighting early traction, the Minister disclosed that over 1,000 innovation entries have already been received within weeks, with promising investment commitments underway—signaling strong momentum toward job creation, industrial growth, and Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR. Also speaking, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, on behalf of the North-West Governors’ Forum, commended the Minister’s bold initiative, describing ECoN as a strategic pathway to unlock economic growth, drive job creation, and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation-driven economy. FMIST reaffirmed that ECoN will be backed by a digital commercialisation platform and a proposed National Research and Innovation Fund to ensure sustainability, transparency, and global competitiveness. The event marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s development trajectory—signaling a decisive shift from innovation potential to innovation prosperity. Pauline Sule(Mrs),anipr Head,Press and Public Relations

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) is building strong national momentum ahead of the official flag-off of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) scheduled to hold in Kano State from 23rd-25th of this month. In a strategic move to consolidate North Central participation in the generality of the ECoN programme , the Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Plateau State, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, on behalf of the Executive Governor, paid a high-level visit to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, yesterday in his office. The visit served as a platform to deepen collaboration towards ECoN and to align regional efforts with the Ministry’s vision of fostering a robust innovation ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic growth. The Honourable Minister underscored the urgency of ECoN, describing it as a critical instrument under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to unlock enterprise opportunities, stimulate industrial growth, and empower Nigerian innovators . The Commissioner, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, on behalf of the Governor, HE Caleb Mutfwang, reaffirmed the State’s readiness to actively participate in the ECoN programme, noting that the visit reflects the Plateau State Government’s commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of development. As preparations intensify, FMIST urges stakeholders across all zones to scale up awareness and participation, ensuring that the ECoN initiative delivers impactful outcomes for national development. Pauline Sule(Mrs), anipr Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMIST

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has witnessed a significant leadership transition as Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh formally handed over the reins of office following his retirement from the Federal Civil Service. In a seamless transition, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad has been deployed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. During the handover ceremony, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ebiogeh, expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Ministry for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He highlighted key milestones achieved and urged the staff to extend the same level of commitment to his successor. Dr. Mukhtar, in his remarks, commended Mr. Ebiogeh for his outstanding service and contributions to the growth of the Ministry. He assured staff of his readiness to create an enabling environment and build on the existing achievements while driving innovation, policy implementation, and strategic reforms in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He further called for unity, professionalism, and dedication among staff to reposition the Ministry as a catalyst for national development through science, technology, and innovation. The event was attended by Directors, management staff, and other stakeholders of the Ministry. Pauline Sule(Mrs),anipr Head, Press and Public Relations

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy as the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) moves to establish a world-class National Advanced Skills and Technology Park. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at driving inclusive growth, strengthening national capacity in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and positioning Nigeria toward a $1 trillion GDP. The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, disclosed this during a high-level meeting with a Global Investor Group led by renowned entrepreneur Isaac Chuks, founder of New Festac Property Development Company. The investors signaled strong commitment by offering a prime site in Lagos for the development of the proposed technology hub. The Minister described the project as a flagship national asset that will serve as a catalyst for cutting-edge research, innovation, and commercialization, with a strong focus on STEM, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Engineering, and environmental sustainability. He emphasized that the initiative will build a globally competitive workforce and deepen Nigeria’s technological sovereignty. Dr. Udeh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to leverage strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to deliver critical STI infrastructure, noting that collaboration with credible investors remains key to fast-tracking innovation-driven development. Located in Festac Phase II, Lagos State, the project—being developed in partnership with New Festac Development Limited—represents a major step toward establishing a national ecosystem for advanced skills development, industrial innovation, and sustainable economic transformation. FMIST reiterated its commitment to driving high-impact initiatives that will elevate Nigeria’s innovation landscape, unlock economic opportunities, and firmly position the country as a leading technology hub in Africa. Pauline Sule(Mrs),anipr Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST 2/4/26