Press Release

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said that collaboration with the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) will foster a thriving innovation ecosystem and creation of jobs and wealth in the country.Nnaji stated that Partnership with HAIN aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of economic diversification, and inclusive development.The Minister said this at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) today, in Abuja.He said that HAIN’s programme is in line with the Ministry’s quest for Innovation, Science and Technology Entrepreneur ISTEP.According to the Minister, “ISTEP is a transformation platform aimed at unlocking the immense potentials of our youths, which its objectives are ambitious and impactful by enhancing food security through agricultural and green innovation and also Promoting inclusive economic development by fostering innovation-driven enterprises”.He further said that the main objective of the programme is to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local Government Areas in the country in the next two years, establishing 2500 youth-led innovative enterprises to drive economic growth and competitiveness, development of 6 Innovation Academies and 3 ISTEP City Hubs as centers of excellence in technology and innovation as well as create 5000 new jobs, contributing to national efforts to tackle unemployment.To this end, Nnaji commended HAIN for its unwavering dedication, expertise and partnership in bringing immense value to our shared vision of transforming Nigeria into global innovation hub and urged the youths to seize this opportunity as the future of the nation depends on their creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.Earlier, the Chairman, Humanity Advancement Innovation Network Mr. Daniel Olasetemi said that the ISEP is geared towards advancing the country by training, empowering and also providing a market to enable the youths to thrive. Atuora Obed O.Director (Information and Public Relations)

The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that Nigeria is collaborating with the Republic of Russia in the areas of Space Technology, Agriculture, Science Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to strengthen the socio-economic development of the Nations. According to Esuabana, Science does not operate in isolation, hence the need for nations to collaborate in order to strengthen Bilateral relationship among them. The Permanent Secretary, said this when officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, led by the Senior Counselor on Trade and Economic Section, Sergei Pliushchov, paid her a courtesy call today in Abuja. She informed the delegation that the Ministry is interested in attending Scientific Officers and other Research related fields training, especially in the area of Space Technology in Russia, if the Russian government can sponsor such Officers. To this end, the Permanent Secretary commended the Russia Republic for her good gesture in extending her training request to the Ministry, noting that Russia has interest in the development of Nigeria. Earlier, the Senior Counsellor, Trade and Economic Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Nigeria, Serei Pliushchov, said that the Republic of Russia is ready to collaborate with Nigeria in the training and re-training of Scientific Experts for improved productivity in the Country. He further said that the Republic of Russia through the Embassy in Nigeria is engaging Russian online experts for technical development of skills for Nigerians in various fields. Atuora Obed O.Director (Information and Public Relations)

Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will create a great platform for all Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) resources and stakeholders in the country. Nnaji said this, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding(MOU} between the Ministry and DAIMLAS CORP a US based technology firm, recently, in Abuja. According to Nnaji ‘’the collaboration will help every State in Nigeria to align with National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) goals, encourage innovation by providing a place for collaboration and research as well as open doors for International partnerships, and growth’’. He further said that the partnership is also, a big step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector, which is a key part of our 2017-2030 STI Roadmap in the country. To this end, the Minister commended DAIMLAS CORP for believing in Nigeria’s potentials and then, urged everyone involved to support the project, adding that together, we can make STI, the driven force of the country’s growth and development. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said that many emerging innovative technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, will discourage our teeming youths from migrating to other Countries as they will be enhanced to develop their talents for a better future. She pointed out that it will assure improved agriculture, health and infrastructure sectors as well as achieving our desired goal by 2030.Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of DAIMLAS CORP, Joseph Wehbe said that the idea of the project is to ensure that all the states in the Country align with the 2030 innovation Roadmap, of building a home grown technologies rather that consumers of technologies nation. He further said that He is here to represent a New Jersey based Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Company, adding that its outreach was inspired by the Honorable Minister’s Press Conference in January 2024 to operationalize the STI 2017-2030 Roadmap Atuora Obed O.Director, Information and Public Relations.

The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji made this pledge while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Nigerian Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC) summit held in Abuja on Thursday. “As the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, I am excited to be among leaders and experts whose work drives the engine of research and development (R&D) in Nigeria,” Nnaji said. “The importance of innovation in transforming societies and economies cannot be overstated. Globally, innovation catalyses industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.” He highlighted global perspectives, referencing the World Economic Forum’s emphasis on the transformative impact of research and innovation on productivity and economic growth, as well as the OECD’s assertion that investments in innovation enable nations to adapt to global economic and technological shifts, securing long-term prosperity. Institutional Frameworks for Innovation To strengthen Nigeria’s innovation landscape, Nnaji announced that the Ministry is working on establishing key frameworks, including the National Research Innovation Fund (NRIF), the National Research Innovation Council (NRIC) and the Industrial Innovation Fund (IIF). He emphasised the need for a resilient innovation ecosystem integrating infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, and creativity. “By empowering innovators to take calculated risks, we can accelerate the creation of groundbreaking solutions to the challenges we face,” he said. Focus on Human Capital Development Nnaji also underscored the importance of human capital development, stressing that investments in education and training programmes are essential for equipping Nigerians with the skills required to lead in research and innovation. “A talented and diverse workforce is essential to positioning Nigeria as a global hub for impactful research and commercialisation,” he added. Ambition for Global Leadership Speaking on Nigeria’s innovation roadmap, the minister stated, “Our goal is to position Nigeria as a global leader in research and innovation.” He explained that achieving this vision would require robust partnerships with international organisations, collaborations with leading research institutions, and a deliberate effort to showcase Nigeria’s achievements on the global stage. “By becoming a hub for impactful research, Nigeria can attract investments, build capacity, and develop solutions that address not just local but global challenges,” he affirmed. The Nigerian Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC), an initiative of the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), organised the summit under the theme \”Impact Investing: Shaping Policies, Research, and Innovation to Commercialization—The Roadmap to 2025.” The event brought together leaders and experts from academia, think tanks, research institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector. Designed as a platform for strategic dialogue, innovative insights, and actionable collaboration, the summit aims to advance Nigeria’s impact investing ecosystem while driving research, innovation, and commercialisation efforts for sustainable development. NIIRIC aspires to be the leading collaborative platform driving impactful research and industry engagement in Nigeria’s impact investing sector.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the development of space technology is crucial to national growth. Nnaji stressed that space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, ranging from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhance disaster response capabilities worldwide. The Minister stated this at the 25th Anniversary of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) today, in Abuja.According to Nnaji, “The Anniversary is a celebration of vision, perseverance, and Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the limitless possibilities of space technology for national development”. He further said that this sector alone is expected to generate over 60% of the new economic value from space enabled technology in the country, adding that the World Economic Forum 2024 projects the global space economy to reach a staggering 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035, driven by advances in satellite technology. Nnaji also said that the growth of space technology will transcend the aerospace sector, influencing industries such as supply chain logistics, agriculture, defense, and digital communication in the country. The Minister pointed out that Space Technology is no longer an abstract pursuit of exploration, stressing that it has become a silence force underpinning our daily lives, noting that the intricate web of satellite censors and space base infrastructure is shaping the modern world to a greater transformation in the future. To this end, Nnaji commended the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the Defense Space Administration, and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited for the planning and execution of the event, adding that their efforts underscore the spirit of collaboration that drives the nation’s achievement in the sector. Atuora Obed O.Director(Information & Public Relations)

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that innovation, Science and Technology (IST) are the foundations of sustainable development and economic resilience for any nation which plays a vital role in achieving the eight priority areas outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nnaji emphasized that empowering youth and women using Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) developed technologies, including Cassava and Potato bread production, Mushroom cultivation, Cosmetic, date syrup manufacturing, and the conversion of Diesel Generators to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will contribute to the growth and development of the nation and positively impact on the lives of the citizens. The Minister stated this at the opening ceremony of the training programme for youth and women organised by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), today, in Abuja.According to Nnaji, “to meet our national goals, our Ministry have established strategic partnerships, signing multiple Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources. By working closely with regional agencies, we utilize our nation\’s resources to drive innovation across Nigeria\’s Geo-political zones”. He noted that the Ministry’s Technology and Innovation Centres serve as hubs where Stakeholders in the STI Eco-system come together to enhance research and development application and foster innovation, supporting Nigeria’s movement towards industrial and economic strength, as envisioned in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\’s eight points agenda. The Minister also said that the Ministry is committed to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological base, in alignment with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which includes fighting poverty, driving economic growth and fostering job creation for national development.To this end, Nnaji urged all stakeholders to support the young Nigerians by purchasing their product in ensuring their sustainability, adding that prioritizing Nigerian-made goods, as they meet high standards will contribute to national economic growth. He therefore encouraged the trainees to approach the program with dedication, forming innovation clusters that will promote Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production driven economy. Earlier, the Director -General and Chief Executive officer of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, said that Innovation, Science and Technology holds the vital key to present and future development of any nation as it plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improved quality of life, economic growth and transformation in any society. She added that the Agency has been vigorously pursuing its mandates to ensure that Research and Development (R&D), innovation engagement, ultimately translates into products, goods and services in the market place, thereby creating jobs as well as generating income for an improved economy. Atuora Obed O.Deputy Director/Head(Information & Public Relations)

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a vital tool to building a sustainable and peaceful world, which reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing science for a brighter future.Nnaji said this during the 2024 World Science Day celebration with the theme: ‘’Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering futures’’ today, in Abuja. According to Nnaji, ‘’this year’s theme: why science matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures highlight the needs for global collaboration to address challenges like pandemics, food security and climate crisis’’. The Minister stated that the Ministry is committed to driving partnership across sectors from Health, Energy and Robotics with over 22 international collaborations that is advancing in areas like methanol revolution, green hydrogen tech, city development and space technology in order to strengthen the country’s science, innovation and technology capabilities. He further said that the Ministry is also investing in the country’s future through initiative like the Artificial Intelligent (AI), Cassava Value Chain development and programme for youths and innovators, adding that this world Science Day, its missions and the quiz competition aimed to inspire students in sciences. Nnaji reiterated that Covid -19 reminds us that gratitude scientific Collaboration is essentials to the country’s growth and development.To this end, the Minister pointed out that aligning the Nigeria’s value with global scientific and technological goals will strengthen our role in international science and technology networks for the advancement of the nation. In the quiz competition, Federal Government Boys College Apo took 1st position, School for the Gitfted Gwagwalada and Olumawo College, Wuse 2 took 2nd position, while Government Science Secondary School took 3rd position, while in the exhibition category, Government Science Technical College, Garki took 1st position, Great Height Academy, Kado took 2nd position and Government Secondary School Tunganmaje took 3rd position. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, who was represented by the Director Science, Technology and Promotion, Mr. Ronald Ukpong Okon said that the objectives of the World Science Day is to create public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable socialites, promotes national and international solidarity for shared science between countries, renew global commitment for the use of science and draw attention to the challenges faced by scientists amongst others.She therefore encouraged all to embrace the World Science Day not just as a celebration but a guiding principle in our efforts to move the country forward. Earlier, the representative of the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dr. Enang Moma in her good will message said that collaboration between stakeholders is essential, and making this dialogue accessible to as many people as possible is precisely one of the key focuses on open science. She further said that UNESCO support the work of women scientists who currently account for only one third of the world researchers, adding that for 25 years the partnership between UNESCO and the L’Oreal Foundation has supported the careers of over 4,400 women scientists in 140 countries. Atuora Obed O.Deputy Director/ Head(Information & Public Relations)

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that the Federal Government will create 4.4 million jobs through the implementation of the National strategy for competitiveness in Raw Material and Products Development in Nigeria. Nnaji stated that the implementation of the National strategy will not only enhance the creation of employment, and our quest for economic diversification but will also, boost local content in manufacturing to 50% and 80% respectively, for global acceptance of made-in-Nigeria raw materials, products and services which will ensure global competitiveness in the country. Nnaji said this during the Conference of the National Consultative Committee on Global Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria, with the theme: “Harnessing Local Resources for Diversifying Nigerian Economy and Enhancing Global Competitiveness\” today, in Abuja. According to the Minister the theme: ‘’Harnessing Local Resources for Diversifying Nigeria and Enhancing Global Competitiveness is aimed at championing the country’s global competitiveness diversification through investments in Innovation and Technology, Research and Development, Infrastructure and Human Capital Development’’. He further said that global Competitiveness is the lifeblood of any thriving economy as it underscores the ability to produce goods and services that meet the standard of the international market by strengthening the citizens\’ long-term real income. Nnaji emphasized that the nation’s part in global Competitiveness lies in leveraging the enormous powers of Innovation, Science and Technology, in value addition and indigenous industrialization of the country. In the same vein, he said that Science and Technology are the Cornerstones of Global Competitiveness, which ensures continuous investments in cutting-edge technologies that will improve the quality of Local Content in the nation. To this end, Nnaji encouraged all stakeholders to continue to form a strategic coalition within the resultant production of high-quality and competitive raw materials products and services to improve Nigerians’ ranking on the Global Index. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye who was represented by the Director, of Planning Research and Policy Analysis, Mrs. Salamatu Mohammed, said that the Conference is a forum to discuss critical issues relevant to the successful implementation of the National Strategy on Global Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria. She further said that the Conference theme is quite appropriate at this point of our national development and in recognition of the 8-priority areas of the present Administration.The Director General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso while welcoming the guests said that the successful implementation of the home-grown strategy anchored on applying Innovation, Science and Technology to raw materials and product development is a unique change agent in the national development initiatives, adding that it will reduce the level of importation of raw materials and products into the country. He stressed that the technical workshop allows stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues ranging from Competitiveness, and advocacy to commercialization of Research and Development breakthroughs in the country. The representative of the Organized Private Sector, Dr. Henry Emejo in his goodwill message enjoined the stakeholders and Nigerians to collaborate and work together in order to achieve the desired socio-economic development of the country. Earlier, Sir Henry Eteama, the Project Manager, the Strategy Implementation Task Unit (SITU) said that the SITU strategy identifies the specific roles and responsibilities of stakeholders with emphasis on government policy and legal frameworks while Research and Development Institutions, Academia, Industries and Businesses are saddled with production and demand-driven R&D outputs Eteama then, called on Nigerians to ensure that the project succeeds, stressing that only our collective efforts and commitment to nation building can achieve the desired goals of our country.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the Ministry is ready to collaborate with the stakeholders for the economic growth of Nigeria. Nnaji stated that collaborative spirit has been instrumental in addressing national challenges and paving the way for a prosperous future of any nation, Nigeria inclusive.According to Nnaji, today, I am pleased to formally announce that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration is highly interested in the creation of the National Research and Development Innovation (RDI) Coordination Centre under the supervision of the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology. This centre will serve as a strategic hub for integrating and enhancing our RDI efforts nationwide, ensuring that we capitalize on our collective knowledge and resources”.The Minister said this when a delegation of Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKESP) led by the Executive Director, Dr Mustapha Ayo Poopola, presented him a report on the Nigeria Research Development Innovation Coordination Submit and Think-Tank of the Eight (8) Presidential Priority Areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, today in Abuja. Nnaji further said that the present Administration is highly interested in the creation of the National Research Development and Innovation Centre under the supervision of the Ministry. He pointed out that the Centre will serve as a strategic hub for integrating and enhancing our Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) efforts nationwide to ensure that we capitalize on our collective knowledge and resources in the country. To this end, the Minister enjoined all the Agencies under the Ministry to fully engage with the RDI coordination centre for active participation is crucial for the seamless motivation and success of the initiative in the country. He then, commended the team for their dedication and commitment towards the realization of the project, adding that together we will build a brighter and more prosperous Nigeria. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said that Science Technology and Innovation are the bedrock of development for any nation, Nigeria inclusive. She further said that no country will develop without the full deployment of scientific apparatus to all the sectors of the economy. She emphasized that the Ministry is putting in place tools that will enhance the transformation of research and development products into goods and services for the commercialization and economic growth of the Nation. Earlier, the Executive Director of Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKESP) Dr. Mustapha Ayo Poopola, said that the idea of the project is to use the instrumentality of Science, Technology and Innovation, Research and Development to interface with Mr. President’s eight (8) priority areas for the socio-economy development of the nation. He then enjoined the Ministry and agencies of Government to leverage Mr. President’s directives to work in synergy in order to achieve the socio-economic advancement of the country.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the Federal Government has given Grants Award to thirty-two (32) innovators and inventors across the six geo-political zones of the country. Nnaji stated that the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII) was inaugurated by the Federal Government in October 2005, to encourage and promote inventions and innovations in the country. The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said this at the 2023 Grants Award Ceremony of the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII) today in Abuja. He further said that more than 600 inventors and innovators have benefitted from the grants across the six geo-political zones of the country, since the inception of the PSCII programme in 2005. He also, said that collaboration with the private sector will facilitate the achievement of the desired goal of the Programme by providing a solid foundation for a technological breakthrough as well as improving the socio-economic development of Nigeria. In the same vein, Nnaji @ChiefUcheNnaji stated that global competitiveness will contribute to job and wealth creation, improved well-being and quality of lives of Nigerians.To this end, the Minister urged the beneficiaries to utilize the Grants judiciously and then, encouraged them to work hard in order to surmount the challenges of unemployment and poverty in the country. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye who was represented by the Deputy Director, overseeing the Department of Technology Acquisition and Adaptation (TAA), Eng. Azuftama Dahiru said that N47, 000,000.00 was granted to the 32 beneficiaries. Esuabana Nko Asanye while stating that the grants range from one to five million naira to each awardee, added that the Programme is to encourage Nigerians particularly, those in the informal sector that have viable technological ideas capable of impacting positively on the citizenry and the economy. Earlier in her goodwill message, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) Dr. Patricia Uche Chukwu said that inventions and innovations advancement ensure great technological progress which assures efficient production, prosperity and economic growth of the Country.