Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work together with key players for Nigeria’s economic growth. He highlighted that this spirit of collaboration is crucial in tackling national issues and creating a bright future for Nigeria.
Nnaji joyfully announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration is committed to establishing the National Research and Development Innovation (RDI) Coordination Centre, overseen by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.The center will act as a strategic hub to integrate and boost research, development, and innovation (RDI) efforts across the nation, ensuring the use of shared knowledge and resources.
Nnaji shared this during a presentation by a delegation from Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKESP), led by Dr. Mustapha Ayo Poopola, in Abuja. They presented a report on the Nigeria Research Development Innovation Coordination Summit and the Think-Tank of President Tinubu’s eight priority areas.
Nnaji emphasized the administration’s strong interest in creating the National Research Development and Innovation Centre, which aims to enhance and unify RDI activities nationwide. This initiative will maximize the utilization of Nigeria’s collective knowledge and resources.
The Minister urged all agencies under the Ministry to engage actively with the RDI Coordination Centre, stressing that their involvement is vital for the initiative’s success. He praised the team’s dedication and commitment to the project, believing that together they can build a more prosperous Nigeria.
Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, added that science, technology, and innovation are fundamental to any nation’s development. She pointed out that no country can develop without applying scientific advancements across all economic sectors.
Mrs. Nko-Asanye mentioned that the Ministry is setting up tools to transform research and development outcomes into products and services, which will drive the nation’s economic growth. Earlier, Dr. Mustapha Ayo Poopola, Executive Director of RIKESP, emphasized the project’s goal to leverage science, technology, and innovation, along with research and development, to align with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Dr. Poopola called on the Ministry and other government agencies to collaborate and follow the President’s directives to achieve the country’s socio-economic progress.
