Press Release

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji @ChiefUcheNnaji has said that Science and Technology are vital instruments for economic transformation and diversification. He stated that science and technology are the necessary engines to derive agricultural sector, productivity, wealth creation, alleviation of poverty and food security in the country. Nnaji said this during the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Ministry and Flux Carbon Pte Limited today, in Abuja. According to Nnaji ‘’this agreement marks a significant step in our concerted efforts to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time – food Security’’. He further said that Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing a substantial 25% to the GDP and providing livelihoods for more than 70% of the populace, yet the sector faces immense challenges ranging from climate change to land degradation, adding that the current surge in food prices across the Nation underscores the need for innovative and sustainable solution. The Minister also, said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) symbolizes our commitment to collaborate with local and international partners to create a meaningful impact for sustainable agricultural and economic growth of the Country. Chief Nnaji emphasized that today’s partnership with Flux Carbon Pte Limited is a testament to the Government\’s dedication towards increasing crop yields through innovative methods, lowering costs for farmers and contributing to suitable Agricultural practices in Nigeria. He stated that by focusing on sustainable Agriculture, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of Food Security but also creating Jobs and fostering social- economic development of the Nation. To this end, the Minister commended all the partners for their unwavering commitment towards achieving economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social well-being for Nigerians. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said that the Ministry is making an impact in the global Innovative System by improving Research outputs to achieve the needs of the Nation. She further said that Technology being the bedrock of the development of any nation, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Organization will improve the Agricultural yields of the country and enhance food security. Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Flux Carbon Pte Limited, Mr Sam Daniel, said that the Partnership aligns with the Organization’s commitment to harnessing innovative solutions to address global challenges, particularly in the area of climate change and food security. He further said that by collaborating with the Government of Nigeria through the Ministry, the company aims to explore the potential of Enhanced Rock Weathering(ERW) to boost food security and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the role of Chemistry is critical to the technological advancement of Nigeria. Nnaji said this when the delegation from the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) led by its President Professor Rufus Sha’ato paid him a courtesy visit today, in Abuja. According to the Minister, the Ministry acknowledges the critical role of Chemistry in sustainable development as well as aligning with the National Science and Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTI) and the National Science, Technology Roadmap (NSTIR) 2030 which is key to fast-track the socio-economic development of the Country. He further stated that his recognition for the fellowship of CSN reflects our shared commitment to advancing chemical sciences in Nigeria and our collaborative efforts that will lead the nation to a greater height. Nnaji noted that Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s House project aligns with the Ministry’s goals of facilitating the development and deployment of science and technology apparatus to enhance the technological infrastructure and research capacity of the nation. He emphasized that partnership is crucial for advancing Nigeria’s Scientific and Technological landscape, stressing that together we can foster economic growth and global competitiveness. To this end, the Minister commended the society for advancing infrastructural development in the country and assured the Ministry’s support to the Organisation. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, said that Chemistry is the hub of all Science Subjects. Esuabana pointed out that Executive Order No. 5 of 2018 deemed it fit for the study of chemistry among other science subjects for the promotion of Nigerian local content in projects and contracts. She then promised the Ministry’s support to the society and urged it to be dedicated and committed to the research and development of chemical sciences, towards enhancing the living standard of the citizenry. Earlier, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Rufus Sha’ato said that the society has made considerable and notable strides in the advancement of Research and Development in the chemical sciences. He further stated that CSN is aware of the Ministry’s core mandate of formulating policies that are geared towards promoting and harnessing the expertise of Nigerian researchers for national growth.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that value addition to our raw materials before exportation is key to unlocking the economic potentials of Nigeria’s Raw Materials sector. Nnaji emphasised that with value addition, Nigeria will create more jobs, reduce poverty, stimulate the growth of domestic manufacturing and ultimately strengthen the value of our currency. The Minister stated this during the programme presentation and Dialogue Session with Development Partners, Diplomatic Community and Business Councils 2024 Edition, today in Abuja. According to Nnaji, ‘’we cannot achieve these milestones alone, we are here today because we need the collective wisdom, expertise and resources that each of you our valued partners bring to the table’’. He said that Nigeria’s raw material value addition from the current 5% to a target of at least 60% represents a bold vision for the country’s future where our raw materials are no longer exported in their good form, but processed and enriched to maximize their value before leaving our shores. Nnaji noted that we must ensure that raw materials are utilized efficiently, reducing waste and embracing circular economic principles that can extend the life circle of materials. To this end, he urged the Development partners, members of the Diplomatic Community, the Business Council and Financial Institutes to consider it not only desirable but also expedient to collaborate with the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in this transformative effort. Speaking, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, said that the National Assembly is ready to pass any bill on policy that will enable raw materials to be processed and add value for exportation. He stated that adding value to raw materials will provide more foreign exchange to the country. Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said that collaboration and technical expertise are the blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s Raw Materials sector into a globally competitive and sustainable ecosystem. She further stated that the roadmap aligns with the vision articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Keynote Address at the recently concluded 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he highlighted the paradox of Africa’s vast natural resources and the continent dependency on foreign markets. Earlier, the representative of the African Development Bank, Professor Alfred Cubana, said that despite Africa’s landmarks and natural resources, the continent still remains the least developed, which is why the African Development Bank has a 10-year strategic plan for the improvement of quality of life of Africans and has been building capacities to enable them to manage their resources.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that the partnership with the Grand Challenge Nigeria Project is a broader agenda to create a resilient and knowledge driven economy that prioritize local solutions for local challenges. According to Nnaji, ‘’working together we are investing in Nigeria’s future, building a foundation for sustainable development, and positioning our nation as a leader in Innovation on the African Continent’’.The Minister said this, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between the Ministry and Grand Challenge Nigeria (GCNg) today in Abuja. He further said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents a pivotal step in advancing Innovation and addressing some of the Country’s most pressing needs such as economic growth, capital development and social welfare.Nnaji pointed out that the Ministry is prepared for the National launch of Grand Challenge Nigeria (GCNg) project scheduled to hold on 18th November,2024. The Minister also, stated that the launch will be a land mark, aligning with the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision to harness Science and Technology as drivers of economic transformation, improve infrastructure and enhance quality of life for Nigerians. To this end, Nnaji commended the Organization for its vision and dedication to the cause, adding that, together we are embarking on a journey with the potential to create lasting impact and contribute to the achievement of the eight (8) points agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Grand Challenge Nigeria is apt at the time the world is distressed with the issue of nutrition as a result of climate change mitigation.She further said that the collaboration will tackle the issue of good nutrition, especially for the vulnerable in the Country. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, said that the Organization is a localized initiative under the Global Grand Challenge family, designed to drive innovation and solve critical health and developmental challenges in the Country.He further stated that the Organization aims to empower Nigerian Researchers, Scientists and Development practitioners to use innovative solutions in addressing local challenges of the Nation. Atuora Obed O.Deputy Director/Head(Information & Public Relations)

Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that Nigeria is one of the largest producers of cassava in the world, and when value is added before exportation, the country will gain over $500 million dollars per annum that will enhance the economic transformation of the country. The Minister made this statement when a delegation from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission led by the Director-General, Dr. Jobson Oseodiom Ewelafoh paid him a courtesy visit in his office, in Abuja. He further said that Innovation, Science and Technology are the bedrock of the development of any nation, no country has ever developed without the full deployment of scientific apparatus to all sectors of the economy. Nnaji pointed out that with great potential in the cassava value chain, if well harnessed, it will add to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of The country, enhance economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty to the barest minimum. Chief Nnaji also said that the Ministry will collaborate with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to drive growth across all sectors of the Country’s economy. He emphasized that partnership with the private sector will enhance funding towards the development of infrastructural projects.To this end, he commended the organization for Working assiduously with the relevant Ministries to ensure that one of the Eight Points Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is achieved. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye said that the Commission has been working on several projects with different Ministries, adding that the Ministry is ready to give them the necessary support to achieve their goal. Earlier, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Oseodiom Ewelafor said that if the Innovation, Science and Technology sector is properly developed it can serve as a key driver for economic growth and progress of the country. He further said that technology has been proven to be a great enabler that can bring the radical change that Nigeria desire.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, has said that customer service delivery is the most essential element for good governance in any nation. According to her, ‘’the Charter of the public service in Africa was adopted in the third (3rd) Biennial Conference of Ministers of Civil Service in Windhoek Namibia on 5th February 2001 with Nigeria as a major participant of the entire process. The charter expresses the will and the commitment of African States to streamline the services provided to citizens and the desire to ensure the efficient use of the resources allocated for such services. Mrs Esuabana said this during the year 2024 Customer Service Week organized by the Reform Coordination Service Improvement Department of the Ministry, in Abuja, recently.She further said that Customer Service is the act of taking care of customers’ needs by providing and delivering professional quality service and assistance to individuals or Corporate Organizations in the country. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that for any quality service delivery to be successful, the principles of equal treatment, neutrality, continuity, proximity, participation, legality, quality, efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and evaluation of service must be put in place for improved standards of the organization. She then commended Servicom for its commitment towards effective service delivery and also congratulated it for celebrating its week. Earlier, the National Coordinator, Servicom, Presidency’s Coordination Service Improvement, Mrs Nnenna Akajiemelu enjoined the Ministry to ensure adequate Staff welfare to improve the employees\’ outputs for the socio-economic development of the Country. She further emphasized that people will forget what you did but will never forget how you made them feel, adding that increasing employees\’ morale and hard work through recognition will enhance the timely achievement of the Ministry’s goals.

The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that Science, Technology and Innovation are the bedrock of economic development of any nation. According to Mrs. Esuabana, ‘’Without innovation, there is no nation, any nation that does not have a good base of Science Technology and Innovation cannot move forward’’. Esuabana stated this, during the launching of the Performance Management System (PMS) of the Ministry, recently in Abuja. She further said that a Performance Management System (PMS) is a framework used to plan, monitor and evaluate an organization’s and individual\’s performances. The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the Performance Management System is designed to put the public service at the same level as International best practices, where the annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) is transient to the Performance Evaluation Report as a way of appraising staff She also said that Performance Appraisal System is meant to address the challenges faced by the use of physical Annual Performance Evaluation Report [APER]. Esuabana emphasized that the essence of the launching is to embrace the Performance Management System of service from the analogue to the digital world. To this end, she commended the Office of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation for introducing the Performance Management System as the 6 pillars of the Federal Civil Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025. Earlier, the Director, of Human Resources Management (HRM) Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mr. Hassan Baba Ibrahim presented 17 champions and 14 Core Team members to the Permanent Secretary for inauguration. He further urged the inaugurated members to be dedicated and committed to achieving the goals of the Ministry.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that promoting Public Health is key to the advancement of sustainable economic growth and development. The Minister stated this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) between the Ministry and Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute (USA), today in Abuja. Nnaji noted that partnering with the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute is an important milestone as it directly supports our National objectives of promoting Public Health, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable economic growth, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight (8) point Agenda. The Minister further said that through this collaboration, the Nation is committed to offering innovative science-backed skincare solutions to combat harmful practices and provide safer alternatives. Nnaji also said that the partnership exemplifies the transformative power of Innovation, Science and Technology in tackling public health challenges and promoting sustainable growth, adding that it is a step towards creating an environment where women and other consumers can access safer skincare options as well as empowering them to make informed healthy choices. He pointed out that the rise in the use of harmful skin care products especially those containing harmful substances such as Hydroquinone and Steroids, poses serious health risks for many Nigerians, particularly women. To this end, the Minister commended the Institute for its dedication to promoting safe skin care practices and for its leadership in Research and Development. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that the main source of Raw Materials for the production of cosmetics is Africa and Nigeria in particular, emphasizing that these Raw Materials if the added value to, before exportation, will contribute to the economic transformation of the Country and Africa in general Esuabana however, noted that the Country is working towards, adding value to the raw material before their exportation to enhance her economic growth. Earlier, the President of the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute, Dr Edith Gibson said that the Institute has spent 10 years researching Tropical Skin Care, analyzing more than 50,000 tropical skin samples to develop cutting-edge treatments for common skin issues. She further said that the Institute is committed to training professionals in the Derma sector, including Beauticians, Estheticians, Junior medical professionals, Nurses, Pharmacists and Medical Doctors.

The Honourable Minister, of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate with Italy to harness the transformation power of Space Development so as to address critical national challenges in the country. The Minister said this when the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefano De Leo paid him a courtesy visit today, in Abuja. Nnaji stated that one of the challenges currently faced by the country is flooding in some parts of the Northern States, adding that proper assessment from the Space Agency revealed that the Loco-Dam in Cameroon has overflowed. He further clarified that the Ministry has taken advantage of Space Technology to enhance environmental protection and improve efficiency in Agriculture to prevent flooding and Herders and Farmers clashes in the country. He stressed that collaborating with the Italian Government during this critical period is apt to avert flooding as a result of climate change. To this end, the Minister commended efforts being put in place by the countries of the world to ameliorate the effects of flooding and its attendant challenges faced by many countries and then, urged African countries to work together to harness the natural endowment in the continent. Earlier, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefano De Leo, said that the essence of their visit is to partner with Nigeria in Science and Technology through the transformative power of Space Technology and development to advance the socio-economic development of the Country. He further stressed the need for Nigeria to take its leadership position in Africa by harnessing both human and natural resources towards advancing technologically, to compete amongst the comity of nations.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has urged residents of Mpape and Abuja in general to remain calm and continue with their normal activities. Nnaji stated that the Federal Government is processing and analyzing comprehensive datasets from its seismological and GNSS stations to provide relevant recommendations as well as the implementation of measures to mitigate the Seismic risk in the country. According to Nnaji @ChiefUcheNnaji September 16th, 2024, the Residents of Mpape a suburb of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced another series of earth tremors, these tremors six to eight in total beginning around 11:00 pm with main shock occurring at 11:18 to 11:35 pm which caused a sleepless night among the residents of Mpape.Nnaji said this during the Ministerial Press briefing to address the recent Earth Tremors at Mpape Abuja and the imminent flood risk to southern Nigeria, today in Abuja. The Minister revealed that the Earth Tremors were captured by the Seismic station of the National Research Space Development Agency (NARSDA), an Agency of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) in Abuja. He pointed out that Mpape experienced similar earth tremors between 5th and 7th September 2018 which drew significant local and international attention to increasing Seismic activities in the country. Nnaji emphasized that the recent earthquake, accompanied by loud noises and significant ground shaking, led to widespread panic among the residents of Mpape. In the same vein, Nnaji advised downstream states including Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers to activate all the necessary flood control measures in anticipation of any flood emergency.