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The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has expressed confidence that the collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the Nigerian federal government will significantly enhance research in technology innovation, advance technological development, and unlock Nigeria’s potential in the global tech landscape.
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Speaking at the recently concluded Nigeria-EU Innovation Days held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nnaji, represented by Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), emphasized that technological innovation is the engine of economic growth for any nation.
“The collaboration will enhance capacity building, and the government is committed to ensuring a robust support system from all stakeholders in the private sector and academia to drive collaboration and innovation,” Nnaji stated.
Stakeholders at the forum expressed confidence that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda would be transformative, unlocking Africa’s vast potential.
The two-day event, organized jointly by the EU and the Nigerian government, brought together representatives from the Nigerian, broader African, and European research and innovation ecosystems to explore opportunities in e-Health, Agritech, and Industry 4.0.
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, stated that Nigeria is on the verge of a technological revolution, with a vision to harness science, innovation, and technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Our Science, Innovation, and Technology Roadmap encapsulates this vision, outlining a comprehensive plan for achieving these goals. At the Ministry of Youth Development, we are guided by three fundamental pillars: promoting STEM education, encouraging entrepreneurship and startups, and fostering international collaborations,” Bio-Ibrahim said.
She added, “The Nigeria of tomorrow will be a nation that not only consumes technology but also creates it. It will be a nation that exports not just resources but ideas, where every child, regardless of background, can become a scientific pioneer. This is the Nigeria we will build together. The time for action is now. Let the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days be the spark that ignites a scientific revolution on African soil.”
