In a renewed push to transform Nigeria into a technologically advanced and innovation driven nation, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, has emphasized the critical need for sound policies backed by unwavering political will to guarantee effective implementation.

Mrs. Nko-Asanye made this statement during the 22nd meeting of the National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST), held at the headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja.

Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary highlighted the theme of this year’s meeting, “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialize: A Cycle for National Prosperity,” describing it as timely and strategic which also reflects the urgent need to institutionalize innovation, science, and technology as fundamental tools in resolving Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

Mrs. Nko-Asanye, who also chairs the Technical Committee of the Council, noted that the NCIST serves as the second-highest policy advisory platform for coordinating and advancing the nation’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) agenda.

She described the meeting as a convergence of stakeholders from both national and sub-national levels adding that the goal is to align efforts toward the actualization of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive, NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, stressed that the global system is currently undergoing a fourth industrial revolution.

He called on Nigerians to rise to the occasion and position the country meaningfully within the global innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Adepoju who acknowledged that recent developments indicate a rebirth in the nation’s science, technology, and innovation space emphasized the importance of crafting result-oriented strategies that can address Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic challenges.

Speaking on behalf of Chief Executives of Agencies under FMIST, the Director General and Chief Executive, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Professor Paul Onyenekwe, urged participants to bring forward practical ideas that build on existing policies while emphasizing the value of science and innovation in delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Professor Onyenekwe pledged the full commitment and cooperation of all Agencies and Parastatals under FMIST to ensure effective implementation of its policies and programs, aimed at advancing national development.

Representing the state-level ministries, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Atinuke Chammang, reiterated the commitment of state governments to the resolutions of the council.

Mrs Chammang noted that collaboration across levels of government is essential to drive inclusive national progress.

According to her, high-level platforms like the NCIST meeting are key in propelling Nigeria towards greatness by fostering synergy, innovation, and sustainable development.

Below are pictures from the meeting for your viewing pleasure:

Written by Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Joy Opaluwa