The Federal Government is calling for deeper collaboration with the European Union (EU) to enhance Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies and coordination mechanisms.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday the Minister stated, “To improve policy coordination, we welcome EU technical assistance for our Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. Additionally, we seek support for conducting an STI indicators survey and a technology foresight programme to guide our scientific and industrial advancements.”
He stressed the importance of technology transfer and commercialisation, ensuring that research findings are translated into industrial applications. “Nigeria seeks to strengthen technology transfer and commercialisation, ensuring that research is translated into industrial applications. We also aim for greater inclusion of our public research institutes in EU funding programmes to foster knowledge exchange and innovation,” he added.
Nnaji further emphasised the need to implement the existing bilateral agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation between Nigeria and the EU. “The existing bilateral agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation. We seek to enhance its implementation to promote joint research, knowledge-sharing, and investment in priority technological areas,” he said.
On Nigeria’s clean energy agenda, he highlighted the country’s interest in collaborating on renewable energy projects. “As part of our clean energy agenda, we are keen on EU collaboration in Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol projects. These initiatives align with global carbon reduction efforts and will accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition,” he stated.
The minister also called for EU partnerships to establish Innovation Hubs across Nigeria. “We seek partnerships for establishing Innovation Hubs across Nigeria to support start-ups, research-driven entrepreneurship, and job creation,” he noted.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to scientific and technological advancements, Nnaji expressed optimism about the collaboration. “Your Excellency, today’s meeting is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation for mutual progress. I look forward to productive discussions and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the EU in advancing our scientific and technological ambitions,” he said.
