The Federal Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology (FMIST), along with its agencies and stakeholders is set implemented the Presidential and Ministerial Performance Card to advance President Bola Tinubu’s vision of sustainable development.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji made this announcement at a one-day sectoral retreat on the implementation of ministerial deliverables and the performance management system. The retreat, themed “Harnessing Technology for National Development: Ensuring Effective Delivery of the Presidential/Ministerial Mandate and Performance Management System,” was held in Abuja.
Nnaji emphasised that the meeting reflects an unwavering commitment to translating the President’s vision into concrete outcomes through the power of Science, Technology & Innovation (STI). “This retreat offers us the perfect opportunity to reflect on our progress, reassess our strategies and renew our commitment to delivering on the high standards set by Mr. President. It also highlights the importance of having a robust Performance Management System that ensures transparency, accountability and effective feedback mechanisms, allowing our efforts to translate into real benefits for the people,” he stated.
He further noted that the performance management system is a call to action, focusing on economic growth, social inclusion, infrastructure development, security and good governance. He encouraged stakeholders to build strong collaborations to achieve significant progress.
“We must also acknowledge the challenges we face. These challenges are complex and interconnected, demanding a comprehensive governmental approach. Let us harness our collective strength, work together to overcome obstacles, develop actionable plans and deliver meaningful results. Setting ambitious targets is important, but it is equally crucial to have systems in place to monitor our performance, learn from both successes and setbacks and ensure continuous improvement,” he added.
Nnaji also highlighted that leveraging innovation, science and technology can unlock new opportunities for growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. “The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also full of immense possibilities. The expectations placed upon us are high, and rightly so. However, I am confident that with the right strategies, a spirit of collaboration and a relentless focus on results, we can meet and exceed these expectations,” he stressed.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Esuabana Asanye echoed these sentiments, stating that the retreat is a pivotal moment for stakeholders to align their strategies with the national development plan. She noted that each department and agency has a unique role to play, making strategic alignment critical for the country’s development.
“We must take this opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressures and focus on how we can most effectively and efficiently serve our country and citizens,” Asanye said. She encouraged stakeholders to recognise that the challenges ahead are significant and require a collective effort to achieve the desired goals. “We face the need for innovative, savvy solutions through a collaborative spirit and networking among other stakeholders in the field,” she added.
In her speech, the director-general of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Jummai Adamu noted that FMIST is the key driver of global innovation. She emphasised the importance of charting appropriate pathways to transition Nigeria from a consumption-based to a production-based economy. “No country can develop by relying on product imports from other nations,” she said.
Adamu assured that FIIRO would provide an enabling environment for research and development. The director-general of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTO), Prof. P. C. Onyenekwe highlighted the opportunity to enhance collaboration among the ministry’s agencies to ensure that deliverables are achieved.
