The Federal Government has urged deeper collaboration with the European Union to bolster Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies and coordination mechanisms. This call was announced in a statement by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, on Friday.
According to the statement, during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, highlighted the need for EU technical assistance for Nigeria’s Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. He stressed, “To improve policy coordination, we welcome EU technical assistance for our Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation.
Additionally, we seek support for conducting an STI indicators survey and a technology foresight programme to guide our scientific and industrial advancements.”
Nnaji further emphasized the importance of increased technology transfer and commercialization to convert research findings into practical industrial applications. “Nigeria seeks to strengthen technology transfer and commercialization, ensuring that research is translated into industrial applications. We also aim for greater inclusion of our public research institutes in EU funding programmes to foster knowledge exchange and innovation,” he stated. He also underscored the value of the existing bilateral agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation between Nigeria and the EU, noting that it provides a structured framework for joint research, knowledge-sharing, and investment in priority technological areas.
On the clean energy front, Nnaji reiterated Nigeria’s keen interest in partnering with the EU on renewable energy projects, particularly in Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol initiatives that align with global carbon reduction efforts and support Nigeria’s energy transition. He added, “As part of our clean energy agenda, we are keen on EU collaboration in Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol projects. These initiatives align with global carbon reduction efforts and will accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.” Additionally, he called for EU partnerships to establish Innovation Hubs across Nigeria, aimed at supporting start-ups, research-driven entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to scientific and technological progress, Nnaji expressed optimism about the meeting’s potential. “Your Excellency, today’s meeting is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation for mutual progress. I look forward to productive discussions and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the EU in advancing our scientific and technological ambitions,” he concluded.
