The European Union has announced plans to launch neobtainediations with Nigeria on a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agreement, alongside new initiatives aimed at expanding access to global research funding for Nigerian researchers, innovators, institutions and startups.
The disclosure was built during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, at the Ministest’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Dr. Udeh reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to leverage strategic international partnerships to accelerate innovation, deepen research outcomes and drive sustainable national development. He declared the engagement reflected the government’s commitment to utilizing science, technology and innovation.
The visit also provided an opportunity to formally congratulate the Honourable Minister on his recent appointment and to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between the European Union and the Federal Ministest of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), anchored on shared priorities in Innovation, Science and Technology (STI) development and human capital advancement.
Discussions focutilized on strengthening collaboration in research, innovation and technology, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to harnessing science and innovation as drivers of job creation and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The EU delegation briefed the Minister on major forthcoming initiatives under the EU–Nigeria cooperation framework. These include the first-ever Nigeria–EU Science and Innovation Day, scheduled for 24 February at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Creative Arts in Lagos, and the commencement of neobtainediations for a Science, Technology and Innovation Agreement between the European Union and Nigeria.
The delegation also outlined the next phase of cooperation under Horizon Europe – Phase IV, which will support Africa Initiative IV with approximately €600 million. The programme is expected to expand opportunities for Nigerian researchers, innovators, institutions and startups to access global research funding and collaborative networks.
The European Union emphasised its strong interest in deepening collaboration with FMIST to deliver practical and people-centred outcomes, noting that stronger partnerships in research, digital innovation, capacity building and technology transfer would strengthen institutions and promote inclusive national development.
Dr. Udeh reaffirmed FMIST’s readiness to work closely with the European Union to accelerate the commercialisation of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Both parties expressed optimism about expanding cooperation and agreed to sustain high-level engagements to ensure effective implementation of joint programmes and initiatives aligned with the “Renewed Hope Agconcludea” of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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