Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has stressed the need for Nigeria to harness Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to strengthen food security, improve healthcare delivery and diversify the nation’s economy.
He emphasized that sustainable national development can only be achieved through deliberate investment in science, technology and innovation.
Speaking at the opening of a National Concertation on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the Renewed Hope Agenda and the operationalisation of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) in Abuja on Tuesday, Udeh said the world is currently being reshaped by knowledge-driven economies powered by innovation and rapid technological advancement.

The event was organised by the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
According to the minister, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital systems, space technology and green innovation are transforming global economies and creating new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.
Despite Nigeria’s enormous potential, Udeh lamented that research outputs in the country are still not being adequately translated into commercial products, industrial solutions and measurable socio-economic impact.

He said the situation highlights the urgent need for stronger coordination, deeper collaboration and a decisive shift from policy formulation to implementation.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda provides a clear opportunity to reposition Science, Technology and Innovation as a strategic driver of economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Udeh stressed that STI should no longer be viewed as a standalone sector but as a critical enabler across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, energy and the digital economy.

He called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s national innovation system through closer collaboration among government agencies, universities, research institutions, industries and development partners.
According to him, the country must deliberately promote research-to-industry partnerships, encourage demand-driven innovation, improve infrastructure and establish clear pathways for commercialising research outcomes.
“One of the things we must do as we build our innovation ecosystem is to ensure that research outcomes are commercialised. We are not just funding research and innovation for academic purposes; we are funding them to reach the market and industry,” he said.

The minister further stated that Nigeria’s focus must be on building a performance-driven STI ecosystem capable of delivering measurable results, supporting innovation-driven enterprises and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
“Government funding must serve as a catalyst for private sector participation and sustainable innovation,” he added.
Earlier, the Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Magaji Aliyu, said Nigeria stands at a critical stage where the deliberate application of science, technology and innovation must move from aspiration to practical implementation.

While acknowledging the existence of several policies and institutional frameworks, Aliyu noted that the disconnect between research findings and tangible socio-economic impact remains a major challenge.
According to him, bridging the gap would require strategic collaboration, sustained engagement, deliberate investment and bold policy decisions.
“This consultation provides a unique platform for stakeholders to collectively assess the current state of Nigeria’s innovation system, identify systemic gaps and propose practical solutions capable of repositioning the sector for national development,” he said.

Aliyu emphasized that innovation can only thrive within an ecosystem where government, academia, industry and development partners work together to transform ideas into products, services and economic value.
He described the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) as a strategic intervention designed to address the long-standing challenge of inadequate and fragmented funding for research and innovation in Nigeria.
According to him, a transparent and properly structured funding mechanism would unlock the enormous potential of Nigerian researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and institutions.

Aliyu also pledged to advocate for the passage of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) Bill, which he described as essential for providing the legal and institutional framework needed for sustainable innovation financing and effective coordination of Nigeria’s STI ecosystem.
“I intend to actively engage my former colleagues in the National Assembly and relevant committees to emphasize the urgency and strategic importance of this Bill for Nigeria’s future development and global competitiveness,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of UNESCO’s Dakar Regional Office and OIC Abuja Office, Dr. Dimitri Sanga, noted that science, technology and innovation remain critical tools for poverty eradication, socio-economic development and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the African Union Agenda 2063.

Sanga stressed that countries can only build stronger STI systems through sound policies, institutional strengthening and increased collaboration among scientists, policymakers, industries, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations.
According to him, a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach is necessary for countries seeking sustainable development and global competitiveness.