Press Release

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)

The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that the collaboration between Zhengzhou, Shenzhen University of China and Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja in the area of establishment of Faculty of Architecture will revive our olden days Architecture and reduce our housing deficit in Nigeria. Mrs Esuabana made this statement when the delegate from Higher Education Institutions of the People’s Republic of China paid her a courtesy visit today, in Abuja. She pointed out that University of Abuja was established in 1988 with the mandate to both conventional and distance learning academic programme as an institution of higher learning, adding that the vision of the University reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and national unity aligning with its mission to provide instructional, research and public service programmes. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the collaboration, in green and low- carbon technologies, including building integrated photovoltaic, energy efficient architectural design, and the utilization of renewable energy to enhance efficiency and sustainability in Nigerian constructions sector. She commended the Chinese delegate for coming to partner with the University and the Ministry in order to move the country to a greater height. Earlier, the leader of the delegate from Zhengzhou University China, Cao-Di said that the School of Architecture is a specialized Engineering Faculty in Zhengzhou University is well rooted in Architecture programme since when the school was established in 1958. She further said that the school currently offers three undergraduate programmes, which includes Architecture, Urban and Rural Planning and Landscape Architecture, adding that they are happy to collaborate with the Ministry and the University in order to impact the diverse knowledge and experience for socio-economic development of the country. Mrs. Pauline SuleHead (PPRU)

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that Nigeria will collaborate with China in the supply of equipment, manpower development, and technical assistance to schools, hospitals, and laboratories to enhance the socio-economic development of the country. Mrs Esuabana said this when the delegation led by the Oore of Otun Ekiti, and paramount Ruler of Mobaland, His Royal Majesty, Dr Adekunle Adeagbo paid her a courtesy visit in her office today, in Abuja. According to her, no country can develop without the full deployment of Science and Technology apparatus to all sectors of the country. The Permanent Secretary commended His Royal Highness Ore of Otun Ekiti, Adeagbo for his noble gesture in leading the way for the Chinese to partner and collaborate as well as contribute to the development of the nation, adding that while other countries are underrating Nigeria, China is putting us back on track in so many areas, especially in Science and Technology. Earlier, His Royal Highness Ore of Otun Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Adekunle Adeagbo said that Nigeria is a country that is blessed with abundant natural resources and if properly harnessed, will contribute greatly to the economic transformation of the country. Mrs. Pauline SuleHead(PPRU)

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, met with His Excellency, Lacopo Foti, the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, at the Embassy of Italy in Abuja to advance bilateral cooperation between both nations in key technological and scientific sectors. The discussions focused on fostering collaboration in renewable energy, research, and technology transfer, as well as identifying opportunities for joint innovation projects that will drive economic growth and sustainability in Nigeria. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties in areas such as clean energy, industrial technology, and capacity building for research institutions. This high-level engagement aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision to position itself as a hub for scientific and technological advancements in Africa while leveraging global partnerships for knowledge exchange and investment in critical sectors. The Honourable Minister emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to fostering innovation-driven economic transformation and welcomed deeper engagement with Italian stakeholders to develop cutting-edge solutions that benefit both nations.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that Nigeria as Africa’s largest population and a nation rich in agricultural potential is leading the charge in developing solutions that blend Innovation, Climate Finance and Sustainable Food Systems. Nnaji stated this when he gave a keynote speech at the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security recently at Marlborough House, London, United Kingdom. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to deploying Innovation, Science and Technology as the backbone of Nigeria’s Climate Change Resilience Strategy for Environmental Sustainability in the country. The Minister pointed out that Nigeria’s National, Technology and Innovation Policy (NTIP) (2022) serve as the blueprint for leveraging technology to secure food production, energy access and environmental sustainability of the nation. He disclosed that, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry is using Executive Order No.5 to lead an Inter-Ministerial Governance Framework, which ensures institutional coordination and policy implementation. Nnaji who reaffirmed that one of its Agency, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has created some solution driven activities in Climate-Smart Agriculture to enhance food security through innovation by championing Tela Maize and Climate Adaptive Cotton, which resist drought, pest and extreme weather condition to ensure higher productivity with lower environmental impacts in the country. Also, Digital Agriculture and Smart Farming, Clean Energy Solutions for Agriculture where Nigeria is adopting solar-powered irrigation and bioenergy solutions to revolutionize rural farming. The Minister informed that Nigeria is developing an Integrated Biodigester Network for Waste-to Wealth solution in key organic waste zones, capable of producing two million cubic meters of biogas and fifty tons of organic fertilizer annually. And the initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tons of CO2e annually while providing clean energy access to ten thousand households. In his word “our Call to Action rely heavily in strengthening Commonwealth Partnerships because challenges before us are global in nature and demand a collective response”. He therefore commended the common wealth for its unwavering commitment to foster collaboration among nation to address the twin challenges of climate resilience, stating that Nigeria is ready to collaborate, co-invest and co-develop sustainable solutions with the commonwealth partners. (Mrs.) Pauline Sule, aniprHead, Press & Public Relations

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has said that the Ministry is ready to partner with Zinox Technology Limited in order to improve on our home grown technology to enhance economic development of the country.Mrs. Esuabana who was represented by the Director Human Resource Department Mallam Hassan Baba Ibrahim made this statement when the delegation of Zinox Technologies Limited led by its Managing Director Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okunta paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary today, in Abuja.She said that no country has ever become great without the full deployment of technology apparatus to all sectors that brings about the transformation of economy of the Nation.The Permanent Secretary noted that Zinox being an indigenous technology company has developed so many technological appliances which includes, Solar panels, Computers, Inverters among which will help sustain both Small and Medium Scale Industries (SMEs), boost the economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty to its barest minimum of the country.She then urged the Organization to be part of the upcoming 2025 Scientific Expo in order to exhibit their products for public subscription and enlightenment.Earlier, the Managing Director of Zinox Technologies Limited Mrs. Nkechi Eze-Okunta said that the essence of their visit is to partner with the Ministry in the areas Renewable Energy as well as designing solutions that will meet the present day needs with their newest products.She further added that among their products are household equipments that can be used in various homes such as batteries, iPower solution inverters, solar panels etc and to provide solutions to economy gap.

The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology. Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, has said that the Ministry will continue to support development of young Nigerians, build adequate skills and competence that will make them relevant in the dynamic Science Technology and Innovation eco system for economic development of the nation. Mrs. Esuabana made this statement at the event of presenting the results of the 9th Edition of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) today, in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Human Resource Department Mallam Hassan Baba Ibrahim further said that the 774 Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) is designed to spur students to proffer solutions to practical problems that will enhance socio economic development of the country. Esuabana also noted that the programme is organized by the Ministry annually across the 36 State of the federation through completive examination for Secondary Schools, adding that the objective is to produce a pool of dedicated scientists and technologists with the capacity to compete internationally She explained that the Ministry is focused on providing an enabling environment for the development of Science, Technology and Innovative ideas that will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry attaches great importance to this event and recognizes first, second and third position with a presidential hand shake adding that they will also receive cash and scholarship award to further their studies in any Nigeria University of their choice to enable them contribute to the growth and development of the nation. Speaking earlier, the Director, Science and Technology Promotion Department (STP), Mr. Ronald Ukpong said that the programme was created by the Ministry to encourage our youths to be interested and fashion their study careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, adding that the good gesture covers the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation where students compete in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. He further said that no country will attain true greatness without the application of Innovation, Science and Technology. He therefore enjoined the youths to study hard in their chosen careers and ensure that Nigeria is recognized among the international community in the science sector.Earlier, the Chief Examiner of the Programme, Professor Uno-Uno commended the students for their exceptional performance in this year’s exercise compared to the previous years. He then, urged the teachers to deploy new teaching techniques that will better that will enable the students understand the subjects better and easily. Pauline Sule, Mrs. aniprAD (Information & PRU)

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji, has said that Nigeria seeks to strengthen technology and commercialization, ensuring that research is translated into industrial applications through collaboration and partnership with the European Union (EU) for the technological advancement of the country. According to Nnaji “the existing bilateral agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation that seek to enhance its implementation to promote joint research, knowledge sharing, and investment in priority technological areas’’. The Minister made this statement when the delegation from the European Union led by the new Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, paid him a courtesy visit today in Abuja. He further said that the nation aims for greater inclusion of our public research institutes in European funding programs in order to foster knowledge exchange and new innovations for the growth of Nigeria’s economy. Nnaji explained that European Union technical assistance for the Inter-Ministrerial Committee on Research and Innovation will tutor Nigeria\’s scientific and industrial advancement as well as boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, which will enhance job creation and reduce poverty. The Minister expressed his gladness with the visit saying it is an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s cooperation with the European Union (EU) for mutual progress and reaffirms the country’s commitment to working closely in advancing Nigeria\’s scientific and technological ambitions. Earlier, the new Ambassador to the European Union, Mr. Gautier Mignot, assured of EU readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in a number of programs, most especially in the area of Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol projects as well as support the clean energy agenda. Also, he stated that the EU will provide technical support for the Ministry in the area of training scientific officers to compete favorably with their foreign counterparts. Mrs. Pauline SuleHead Press and Public Relations