By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Federal Government says it is intensifying efforts to commercialise research and innovation outcomes and connect them with industry to drive economic development.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.
He spoke at the 3rd Quarter 2026 Stakeholders and Citizens Ministerial Engagement on the Implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Projects and Programmes.
Udeh said the initiative, tagged “Energise Commercialisation Now,” was designed to bridge the gap among research institutions, innovators and the market.
He said the government recognised that Nigeria had no shortage of ideas, research outputs and innovations, but many remained on the shelves of academic and research institutions without being developed into commercial products.
According to him, the initiative is focused on supporting researchers and innovators to move from concepts and prototypes to marketable products, industries and revenue-generating ventures.
Udeh said the initiative was inaugurated in Kano for the North-West in April, where research and innovation outcomes with investment potential were identified across the seven states.
He said the ministry was preparing to extend the initiative to other geopolitical zones, with the North-Central and South-South expected to be among the next areas of engagement.
The minister also said that the process for establishing the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) had progressed, following Federal Executive Council approval and the transmission of a bill to the National Assembly.
He said the proposed fund would provide sustainable financing for research and innovation beyond government remittances.
Udeh said the fund would help address the financing gap that often prevented innovations from progressing from prototype to commercialisation.
He also announced the commencement of the ministry’s Youth and Student Innovation Programme.
According to him, it is aimed at equipping young Nigerians and students with digital and technology skills for entrepreneurship, employment and innovation.
Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director-General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), said the centre was focusing on research that could translate into products, services and solutions to societal challenges.
He said NACETEM was also developing middle-level technical manpower needed for industrialisation, particularly in welding, foundry, industrial electrical work and mechatronics.
He advocated stronger measurement of Nigeria’s investment in science and technology, technical manpower and innovation outputs to align the country with global standards.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, academia, industry and other parts of the STI ecosystem.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Uche Anunne
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