The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST), Chief Uche Nnaji, has called for a strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s national development agenda through science, research, innovation, and commercialization.

He made the call at the closing ceremony of the 22nd edition of the annual National Council Meeting on Innovation, Science and Technology held at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) headquarters in Abuja.

Chief Nnaji in a keynote address emphasized the transformative potential of the event’s theme: “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialize (RDIC): A Cycle for National Prosperity”, saying it encapsulates the very foundation of a modern, knowledge-driven economy.

He described the RDIC cycle as a proven blueprint for nation-building, pointing out its effectiveness in powering the world’s most advanced economies.

The Minister who stated that intellectual capacity, not natural resources, now define national wealth, asserted that prosperity is driven by knowledge, research, local innovation, and successful commercialization.

He however called for a new chapter where research has a clear roadmap to industry, students view innovation as a viable career, and every invention finds a path to commercialization.

In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stressed the need for synergy among academia, industry, and government.

Senator Akume who was represented Dr. Mbaeri Nnamdi OON, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called for the generation of demand-driven research, greater private sector investment in innovation, and robust government support through infrastructure and strategic funding for the economic prosperity of the nation.

He emphasized that Nigeria must move from intention to implementation, urging all stakeholders to break down silos and adopt a culture of shared responsibility.

In his address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the advancement of science and technology, reiterating the importance of the sector to Nigeria’s development trajectory.

Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, Honourable Zakariya Zannan said the theme reflects the national vision of leveraging research and innovation for economic progress.

Zannah highlighted the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and its application, adding that this connection is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential.

The Chairman House Committee on Science Research Institutes, Honourable Timilehin Adelegbe emphasized that policy formulation must be backed by actual implementation to ensure research outputs are commercialized.

He said commercialization is the only way to make research results become profitable, generate employment, and have lasting national impact.

Also speaking,gathering, Chairman House Committee on Science and Engineering, Rt.Honourable Inuwa Garba reiterated the importance of the RDIC cycle in overcoming Nigeria’s overdependence on oil.

He expressed confidence that the solutions from the council would have far-reaching implications on national progress, resilience, and global competitiveness.

Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye described the council meeting as a critical moment for Nigeria’s development journey.

She emphasized that the theme captures the interconnected nature of science and technology processes, from idea generation to job creation, stressing the need for seamless collaboration between all components of the RDIC cycle.

Highlight of the event was a presentation by the President of African University of Science and Technology, Professor Azikiwe Onwualu advocated for robust investments in research and innovation to drive value addition, job creation, and Nigeria’s emergence as a competitive global player.

The meeting also featured goodwill messages from foreign diplomats, including ambassadors from Cuba and Japan, as well as state-level commissioners and secretaries, all pledging to support the development and realization of Nigeria’s science and technology ambitions.

Below are pictures from the meeting for your viewing pleasure.

Written by Alexandra Oladipo
Editor: Joy Opaluwa