Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. Nnaji emphasized that such collaboration is key to addressing national challenges and laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.
Speaking at a recent event where he received a delegation from Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKESP), led by Executive Director Dr. Mustapha Ayo Poopola, Nnaji highlighted a major initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration: the establishment of the National Research and Development Innovation (RDI) Coordination Centre. This center, to be supervised by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, aims to serve as a strategic hub for integrating and enhancing research, development, and innovation efforts across the nation.
“I am pleased to formally announce that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is highly interested in the creation of the National Research and Development Innovation Coordination Centre. This center will serve as a strategic hub for integrating and enhancing our RDI efforts nationwide, ensuring that we capitalize on our collective knowledge and resources,” Nnaji stated.
The Minister stressed the importance of the Centre in consolidating and boosting Nigeria’s RDI initiatives. He pointed out that by harnessing collective expertise and resources, the country could make significant strides in innovation and technology. This, he believes, is essential for economic growth and development.
Nnaji also called on all agencies under the Ministry to actively engage with the RDI Coordination Centre, emphasizing that their participation is crucial for the success of this initiative. He commended the RIKESP team for their dedication and commitment to realizing this vision, expressing confidence that their collaborative efforts would lead to a brighter and more prosperous Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, echoed Nnaji’s sentiments, underscoring the fundamental role of science, technology, and innovation in national development. She noted that no country can achieve meaningful development without fully integrating scientific advancements into all sectors of its economy.
Mrs. Nko-Asanye highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to put in place tools and mechanisms that would facilitate the transformation of research and development products into commercial goods and services. She emphasized that this transformation is vital for the economic growth of Nigeria, as it would enable the country to leverage scientific research for practical, economic benefits.
Earlier, Dr. Mustapha Ayo Poopola, Executive Director of RIKESP, outlined the objectives of their initiative. He explained that the project aims to utilize the principles of science, technology, innovation, and research to align with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas for the socio-economic development of the nation. Dr. Poopola urged the Ministry and other government agencies to leverage the President’s directives and work in synergy to achieve these ambitious goals.
“The idea of the project is to use the instrumentality of Science, Technology and Innovation, Research and Development to interface with Mr. President’s eight priority areas for the socio-economic development of the nation,” Poopola stated. He emphasized the importance of unified efforts and collaboration among various government entities to drive the socio-economic advancement of the country.
The event underscored the critical role of coordinated research and development efforts in fostering innovation and driving economic growth. It also highlighted the commitment of both the government and various stakeholders to work together towards achieving these goals. With the establishment of the RDI Coordination Centre, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in integrating scientific research and innovation into its economic development strategies.
As the country continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, initiatives like these are vital. They not only enhance the nation’s capacity for innovation but also ensure that the benefits of scientific advancements are felt across all sectors of society. The collaborative spirit championed by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is a promising step towards a more prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria.
