Press Release

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

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, today received the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Isreal as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral collaboration in Innovation, Science and Technology. The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s priority to expand partnerships in technology development, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange, noting that such cooperation is critical to accelerating national development. He emphasized that these efforts are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR which places innovation at the centre of economic growth and diversification. Dr. Udeh further showcased the Ministry’s flagship initiative, Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN) championed by the First Lady wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON as a strategic platform for translating research outputs into market-ready products. The Minister called for stronger collaboration with Israel, particularly in technology transfer, joint research, and private sector-driven innovation, noting that such partnership offers significant opportunities for Nigerian researchers and startups. Earlier, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Nkechi Ufochukwu, commended the Federal Government’s renewed focus in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), reaffirming her commitment to advancing capacity building, technology transfer, and private sector partnerships between both countries. Pauline Sule(Mrs), anipr Head, Press & Public Relations, FMIST

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, today received the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Ambassador Khalilou Traore, on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). Discussions during the meeting focused on expanding collaboration in critical sectors including technology development, renewable energy, and market integration—key drivers of sustainable economic growth across both nations. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to revitalizing its strategic partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritizes innovation, economic diversification, and regional cooperation as pathways to national development. He noted that enhanced STI collaboration would unlock new opportunities for industrial growth, regional competitiveness, and shared prosperity. Dr. Udeh commended the Ambassador’s proactive engagement and expressed readiness on the part of the Ministry to reactivate existing bilateral frameworks for mutually beneficial outcomes. Earlier, Ambassador Traore stated that the visit was specifically aimed at reactivating and strengthening the longstanding relationship between both countries. He expressed optimism about deepening collaboration, highlighting shared regional aspirations and the importance of building impactful, results-driven partnerships. Pauline Sule (Mrs.), anipr Head, Press & Public Relations, FMIST

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing intellectual property (IP) as a strategic tool for economic diversification, innovation growth and national development. The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN stated this in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) led by its Director, Mr. Oluwatobi Moody. Dr. Udeh noted that intellectual property rights protect creative ideas and enable innovators to commercially exploit their inventions. He added that stronger collaboration with WIPO will further promote innovation and technology advancement in Nigeria. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the commercialization of research outputs in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that translating research into marketable products will enhance job creation and reduce poverty. He further emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology remains the government’s lead institution for driving scientific research, technological advancement and innovation policies aimed at accelerating industrial growth and strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy. Earlier, Mr. Oluwatobi Moody said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between WIPO and the Ministry to support innovators and expand the use of intellectual property for economic development. He also commended the Ministry’s renewed focus on research commercialization and innovation-driven development, noting that Nigeria has significant potential to leverage intellectual property as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. Pauline Sule (Mrs),aniprHead, Press and Public Relations12 March, 2026

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing innovative homegrown solutions aimed at addressing Nigeria’s most pressing health and development challenges through strategic partnerships and accelerated commercialization of research outcomes. The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, made this known in Abuja while receiving representatives of Grand Challenges Nigeria, a national platform dedicated to supporting transformative innovations in health and development. Dr. Udeh emphasized that collaboration between government, innovators, researchers, and development partners remains critical to overcoming healthcare challenges, unemployment, and food insecurity across the country. He reiterated that FMIST is focused on showcasing impactful research achievements while ensuring that Made-in-Nigeria innovations move beyond the laboratory into the marketplace. “At FMIST, our mission is clear — Energize. Commercialize. Now. We are determined to create an enabling environment where Nigerian innovations move swiftly from research to market, delivering measurable impact for our people and strengthening our economy,” the Minister stated. He further noted that Nigeria’s vast pool of scientific talent and entrepreneurial capacity positions the nation to develop practical, scalable solutions to its most urgent challenges, while the Ministry continues to strengthen policies that support innovation, protect intellectual property, and attract investment into research-driven enterprises. Earlier, the Programme Director of Grand Challenges Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Bamsa, revealed that the initiative has awarded seed grants to nine transformative innovations under its inaugural Request for Proposals focused on improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes nationwide. According to Bamsa, the selected projects underscore the strength of Nigerian-led innovation and highlight the enormous potential of homegrown solutions in addressing critical public health concerns. Grand Challenges Nigeria, inaugurated in 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is part of a broader global innovation network with projects spanning Canada, India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, and several African countries. Through sustained collaboration and a deliberate push toward commercialization, FMIST remains committed to transforming research into enterprise, innovation into industry, and ideas into national prosperity, energizing progress and commercializing impact for Nigeria’s future. Mrs. Pauline Sule, aniprHead, Press and Public Relations, FMIST

PRESS RELEASE The Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has reinforced the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding high-impact bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation following a strategic engagement with the Trade Commissioner of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, Mr. Max Petrov, who paid him a courtesy visit today at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting underscored Nigeria’s resolve to leverage international partnerships to advance national priorities in research and development, emerging technologies, capacity building, and industrial innovation. Dr. Udeh emphasised that the Ministry remains focused on translating diplomacy into tangible technological outcomes that directly support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, job creation, and global competitiveness. He stressed the importance of strengthening Research, Development and Technology Transfer, identifying joint research and development (R&D) as a key pillar of cooperation, with both countries exploring collaboration in:Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, renewable energy technologies, advanced engineering and materials science,digital transformation and smart systems The partnership framework will promote technology transfer and expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Capacity Development. Dr. Udeh welcomed discussions on expanding scholarship opportunities and structured academic exchanges in priority STEM disciplines, including knowledge exchange, robotics, drone technologies for agriculture, and industrial automation—ensuring that innovation outcomes are effectively commercialised. The Minister reiterated FMIST’s readiness to work closely with relevant Russian institutions to ensure Nigerian students and professionals gain access to high-quality technical training that strengthens national capacity in critical sectors, while highlighting the importance of fostering innovation-based trade and investment by encouraging partnerships between Nigerian technology ecosystems and Russian research institutions, startups, and technology firms. Dr. Udeh stressed that FMIST will facilitate enabling policy frameworks and strategic linkages to support sustainable collaboration. In his remarks, the Trade Commissioner of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, Mr. Max Petrov, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s innovation potential and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to building a results-driven partnership. He stated that Nigeria represents one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation frontiers therefore, the Russian Federation is ready to deepen cooperation in science, advanced engineering, space technology, digital systems, and technical education with the objective to move swiftly from dialogue to implementation establishing practical frameworks that will deliver measurable technological progress and industrial growth for both nations. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, emphasized the Ministry’s determination to institutionalize the outcomes of the engagement through structured implementation mechanisms. He stated that collaboration will be anchored on clear deliverables, timelines, and accountability structures, emphasizing FMIST committed to establishing joint technical working groups and actionable programmes that will ensure knowledge transfer, capacity development, and commercialization of innovation. The engagement marks another step in FMIST’s ongoing efforts to deepen global scientific cooperation, attract technology-driven investment, and empower Nigerian innovators to compete at the highest levels. Mrs. Pauline Sule,aniprHead, Press and Public Relations18/2/26