By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The Federal Government says effective deployment of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) will unlock the potential of Nigerian youths and drive national development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology(FMIST), Mr Philip Ebiogeh, said this at the Third Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the operationalisation of the NRIF in Abuja on Thursday.
The workshop was organised by the Sheda Science and Technology Complex(SHESTCO) in collaboration with UNESCO under the UK–West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SANKORE Project).
The theme of the workshop was “Setting the Foundation and Defining Strategic Pillars for Nigeria’s Five-Year Strategy (2026–2030)”.
Ebiogeh said no nation could achieve sustainable growth without prioritising science, technology and innovation.
“This document, when finalised, the bill passed and the fund established, will take our country to the next level.
“Across the country, there are young innovators with enormous potential. Nigeria has talent, and this initiative will help bring them to the fore,” he said.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to build internal capacity rather than relying on external support, noting that the technical work and consultations so far demonstrated readiness to translate policy into institutional action.
According to him, full operationalisation of the NRIF requires the passage of the National Research and Innovation Council Bill by the National Assembly.
“I want to assure you that the ministry is fully committed. Because of our concern for the youth, we will ensure that everything required is done.
“We are hopeful that before the last quarter of the year, the process will be concluded, subject to timely legislative approval,” he said.
The Director-General of SHESTCO, Magaji Aliyu, described the proposed Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) bill as a critical legal framework that would guide STI programmes in the country.
He said the bill would provide governance structures, institutional clarity and the legal backing required to implement innovation-driven initiatives.
Aliyu expressed optimism that the legislation would receive prompt approval and presidential assent once transmitted.
Also speaking, STI Consultant to UNESCO, Prof. Willie Siyanbola, said the policy review was initiated by UNESCO and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office following an evaluation of Nigeria’s 2012 STI policy.
He said the new framework was designed to stimulate transformative growth, strengthen research ecosystems and contribute to poverty reduction through innovation-led development.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NRIF is a proposed strategic funding mechanism aimed at driving economic growth by supporting scientific research, technological advancement and innovation.
It is expected to facilitate sustainable funding for research and development, promote the commercialisation of innovations, and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
This, in turn, will position Nigeria as a knowledge-driven economy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
