The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji has said that Cuba’s global reputation in biotechnology, health innovation and technical education aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and the current administration’s commitment to building an innovation-driven, self-reliant economy.
Nnaji made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero and her delegation to his office in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria and Cuba share a longstanding history of friendship and expressed Nigeria’s desire to deepen that bond through expanded collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
Describing Cuba’s technological resilience as a source of inspiration, the Minister affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to seize new opportunities that would create lasting impact through innovation-led partnerships.
Nnaji called for an expanded partnership between both countries in key areas such as innovation and technology transfer, STEM education, renewable energy, agricultural biotechnology and research exchange.
He commended the Cuban government’s past support in training Nigerian doctors, awarding scholarships, and partnering on primary healthcare, adding that these initiatives are expected to expand in scope.
Speaking during the visit, Palmero said their mission was to strengthen ties with Nigeria in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. She extended an invitation to the ministry to participate in the upcoming International Convention on Environmental Development scheduled for July in Havana, Cuba. The event, she said, would offer a platform for Nigerian delegates to share experiences and connect with counterparts from across the globe.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Pauline Sule, Palmero’s invitation was described as an opportunity to further bolster STI cooperation between the two nations.
Earlier, the director-general of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBRDA), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha highlighted the agency’s progress with the Cuban government in vaccine production and emphasised the urgency of continued collaboration amid growing concerns over potential future health threats.
