Nnaji delivering tangible innovation, making landmark achievements—Ministry
By Kingsley Okoye
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has refuted a recent media report which labelled the Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, as a ‘sleeping minister’.
The ministry, in a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser, Administration to the Minister, Dr Robert Ngwu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the report was a smear campaign by detractors.
He said that the characterisation, authored by a detractor under the headline ‘Honest Assessment of Tinubu’s Ministers’, was pure falsehood and mudslinging.
“It is not only inaccurate but a gross misrepresentation of one of the most productive ministries in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“It is especially disconcerting that such claims are being pushed by a publication frequently accused of partisan bias and alignment with some political interests in Enugu State.
“The attempt to tarnish the name of Nnaji—a nationally recognised technocrat—appears politically motivated and factually baseless.’’
Ngwu listed some landmark achievements under Nnaji’s leadership as:
“Securing a 7.9 billion euros foreign direct investment for ‘Project Green,’ Africa’s largest green methanol and hydrogen complex; spearheading the establishment of Africa’s first insulin manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
“Unveiling of Nigeria’s first AI-powered hospital monitoring system and enabling the first Chinese-backed smart hospital; training no fewer than 25,000 Nigerians annually through Project NOVA.
“Deploying the Sustainable Energy Access Programme (SEAP) across 774 LGAs with hybrid energy and clean cooking solutions.
“Co-leading major Commonwealth initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, climate-smart agriculture, and indigenous resilience; driving the approval of four new satellites, strengthening national security, agriculture, and broadband infrastructure.”
He also listed the advancing of biotechnology, local manufacturing, and research commercialisation through Projects Development Institute (PRODA), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBRDA), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), among others.
Ngwu highlighted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project–deployment of 2MW solar hybrid systems across 37 federal universities and 37 teaching hospitals nationwide.
According to him, the project enhances healthcare delivery and academic performance by providing reliable and eco-friendly electricity.
“Others are the Patent and Promotion of Clean Cooking Innovation-development of a patented hexagonal domestic charcoal stove for improved thermal efficiency, supporting household energy cost reduction, health improvement, and sustainable cooking practices.
“Unveiling of National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP): Providing a unified policy framework for sustainable energy development and converting strategy into actionable projects across the energy sector.
“Establishment of 10MW Solar PV Module Production Assembly Plant at Enugu Research Centre which localises solar PV production, boosts renewable energy access and contributes to GDP growth.
“Development of a Pilot Integrated Modular Refinery at Bauchi Research Centre: Supports local production of refined petroleum products and reduces import dependency.
“Unveiling of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS): In partnership with UNEP and SON, established efficiency benchmarks for air conditioners to support climate targets.
“Establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi: Expanding human capacity in renewable energy technologies and resource management.’’
The senior special adviser also listed the AGORA Project with UNDP and UNEP, the Biomass Cookstoves Initiative at UNN Energy Centre, 10-Year Strategic Raw Materials Roadmap with AfDB.
Ngwu stressed the legislative push for 30 per cent Value Addition Bill: Bill to mandate at least 30 per cent local processing of raw materials before export– awaiting National Assembly passage.
“More so, the Development of Automated Leather Glazing Machine: Boosting Nigeria’s leather processing capacity through indigenous innovation and mechanisation.
“Onion Powder Processing Plant in Sokoto: Established a scalable, modern facility to meet national onion powder demand, in partnership with industry and development banks.
“Development of Local POP (Plaster of Paris): Commissioning of pilot plant using Nigeria’s gypsum resources to reduce import dependency in construction and healthcare.
“Local Soap Noodles Production Plant: Reducing importation and supporting Nigeria’s soap manufacturing industry by tapping into local palm oil resources.
“Artemisinin Extraction Plant: Developed Nigeria’s first plant for producing the API used in anti-malarial drugs from domesticated Artemisia annua; field-tested and approved.
“Presidential and council approvals for NigeriaSat-3, 4, 5 and NigeriaSAR-1: Marking Nigeria’s most ambitious satellite programme yet for revenue monitoring, agriculture, and security.’’
Ngwu said that to dismiss the accomplishments as ‘underwhelming’ was not only dishonest but insulting to the many Nigerians who were benefiting from these forward-thinking policies and programmes.
He urged newsmen and the public to rely on verifiable data and not politically tainted assessments.
“Nnaji remains committed to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu, and driving innovation-led economic growth, job creation, digital transformation, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
“We encourage the media to engage in responsible journalism that informs and unites, rather than misleads and divides,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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