FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.

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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.

40 thoughts on “FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.”

  4. AHMAD YUSUF

    This is Commendable initiatives to postering the achievements of Nigerian Economy with Innovation and Creativity to enhance the economy, Our are seeking for opportunity or platforms like this to show case their Innovation and Creativity

    Reply
  8. Adeola Ayobami

    This is very good step for our dear country Nigeria to start thinking and planning ahead.
    Am sure we HV all what it takes in terms of brain to achieve great success on this.
    Am 100% interested.

    Reply
  9. Aliyu Aminu

    Yes im intrest about this study becouse my field is relating to this program so can i enter im study BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

    Reply
  23. Ayokunle Azeez

    This is a commendable step towards positioning Nigeria as a global leader in research and innovation. The establishment of robust frameworks like the NRIF and NRIC, coupled with a focus on human capital development, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to driving sustainable development. Kudos to the Ministry and NIIRIC for fostering collaboration and innovation at such a transformative level!

    Reply

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