The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and drive sustainable national development.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Matthew Adepoju, made this call while delivering his address virtually at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 6.0.
According to him, government alone can not drive the country’s technological transformation, stressing the need for private sector participation through investments in innovation, capital, skills development, mentorship and market access.
He explained that when government and the private sector work together, innovative ideas can be transformed into products, businesses and employment opportunities that can contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country.
Speaking on the theme, AI: Embrace or Extinct, Dr Udeh stressed the need for Africa to embrace the digital revolution, adding that emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and space applications are reshaping key sectors, maintaining that institutions that embrace these technologies early would be better positioned to lead in the future.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of space science and technology to the digital economy, explaining that satellite infrastructure supports telecommunications, navigation, digital payments and connectivity in remote communities, while Earth observation data and geospatial intelligence provide valuable insights for agriculture, security, urban planning, financial inclusion and improved banking operations.
While applauding the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising science, innovation and technology as key drivers of national development, while providing the policy framework and enabling environment necessary for stakeholders to thrive.
Dr. Udeh, while extending an invitation to Zenith Bank Plc to partner with the Ministry at the forthcoming Africa Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC2026), commended the bank and its board for sustaining the Tech Fair initiative, describing it as a platform that empowers young Nigerians and Africans through innovation and creates opportunities for emerging talents.
He expressed optimism that the Tech Fair would inspire new ideas, partnerships and solutions capable of advancing Nigeria and Africa’s technological aspirations and creating greater opportunities for citizens.
Expressing pride in the progress made so far, The Founder, Zenith bank plc, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR reaffirmed his commitment to promoting technology, innovation and talent development, adding that the initiative would nurture the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs capable of shaping the future of the industry.
Speaking at the event also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zenith bank plc, Dr Adaora Umeoji OON, explained the need for businesses and individuals to embrace artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to remain relevant and competitive, describing technology as a major driver of innovation, economic growth and institutional development.
Below are pictures from the event:
Reporter: Oluwaseun Ajayi
Editor: Joy Atama-Opaluwa
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
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