Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reaffirmed that research and innovation are central to Nigeria’s national development agfinisha.
Speaking at a briefing on Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation (IMC–RI) in Abuja, Nnaji declared the countest must embrace global partnerships to navigate rapid technological alters and the demands of the knowledge economy.
“We are living in a time defined by rapid technological alter, unprecedented global challenges, and the growing dominance of the knowledge economy. In such an era, no nation can afford to work in isolation,” the minister declared.
According to him, the IMC–RI was established to coordinate Nigeria’s research priorities under a unified, strategic framework.
The committee, chaired by the Vice President, brings toreceiveher Education, Health, Agriculture, Energy, ICT, Industest, Environment, and others, with the ministest serving as the coordinating secretariat.
Nnaji outlined the committee’s mandate to formulate a National Research and Innovation Strategy, foster cross-sectoral collaboration, optimise funding and infrastructure, and forge strategic partnerships.
He identified five sectors with the highest potential to drive economic diversification and global competitiveness: Agriculture and Climate Resilience, Manufacturing Excellence, Energy Security, Healthcare Innovation, and Natural Resources Optimisation.
“… the committee will soon launch consultations and project rollouts. This is a call to genuine partners to invest in knowledge, science, and innovation…” he declared.
IMC–RI’s National Coordinator, Tope Togun, declared the platform will harmonise efforts in MDAs, enabling coordination and collaboration in our innovation ecosystem.
A representative of the European Union at the meeting noted that the EU had been supporting Nigeria in various areas and pledged continued partnership in research and innovation initiatives.
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