The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has highlighted that Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) are essential for sustainable development and economic resilience, which contribute significantly to achieving the eight priority areas outlined by President Bola Tinubu.
Nnaji emphasised that empowering youth and women through technologies developed by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) – such as cassava and potato bread production, mushroom cultivation, cosmetics, date syrup manufacturing and converting diesel generators to compressed natural gas (CNG) – will contribute to national growth and positively impact citizens’ lives.
The minister stated this during the opening ceremony of a training programme for youth and women organised by FIIRO in Abuja. According to Nnaji, “to meet our national goals, our ministry has established strategic partnerships and signed multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources. By working with regional agencies, we utilise our nation’s resources to drive innovation across Nigeria’s geo-political zones.”
He noted that the ministry’s technology and innovation centres serve as hubs where stakeholders in the STI ecosystem can collaborate to enhance research and development, foster innovation and support Nigeria’s path toward industrial and economic strength, aligning with President Tinubu’s agenda.
Nnaji urged all stakeholders to support young Nigerians by purchasing locally-made products to ensure sustainability, adding that prioritising high-standard, Nigerian-made goods will contribute to economic growth.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director of information and public relations, Atuora Obed said Nnaji encouraged trainees to approach the programme with dedication, forming innovation clusters to aid Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy.
Earlier, director-general of FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa affirmed that innovation, science and technology are key to national development, driving wealth creation, improved quality of life and economic transformation. She added that the agency is focused on ensuring that research and development (R&D) and innovation result in marketable products, generating jobs and income to improve the economy.
