The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji announced that Nigeria is seeking to enhance technology and commercialisation by ensuring that research is translated into industrial applications.
This objective will be achieved through collaboration and partnership with the European Union (EU) to advance technological progress in the country.
Nnaji stated, “The existing bilateral agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation aimed at enhancing joint research, knowledge sharing and investment in priority technological areas.”
The minister made this statement during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the European Union, led by the new Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.
He emphasised that Nigeria aims for greater inclusion of public research institutes in European funding programs to foster knowledge exchange and stimulate innovations that will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
Nnaji explained that the EU’s technical assistance for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation will guide Nigeria’s scientific and industrial advancement and boost the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), which will enhance job creation and reduce poverty.
In a statement from the head of press and public relations, Mrs. Pauline Sule, the minister expressed his pleasure at the visit, noting that it presents an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s cooperation with the EU for mutual progress and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to working closely in advancing Nigeria’s scientific and technological ambitions.
Earlier, the new Ambassador to the European Union, Mr. Gautier Mignot, assured the Minister of the EU’s readiness to collaborate on several programs, particularly in the areas of Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol projects, as well as support the clean energy agenda. He also stated that the EU would provide technical support for the Ministry in training scientific officers to compete effectively with their foreign counterparts.
