FG seeks EU support to boost science, technology

The Federal Government has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union to strengthen Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation policies and coordination mechanisms.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr Felix Ale.

According to the statement, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, made the call during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday.

“To improve policy coordination, we welcome EU technical assistance for our Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. Additionally, we seek support for conducting an STI indicators survey and a technology foresight programme to guide our scientific and industrial advancements,” the minister stated.

He emphasised the need for increased technology transfer and commercialisation to ensure that research findings are transformed into industrial applications.

“Nigeria seeks to strengthen technology transfer and commercialisation, ensuring that research is translated into industrial applications. We also aim for greater inclusion of our public research institutes in EU funding programmes to foster knowledge exchange and innovation,” Nnaji said.

The minister further highlighted the importance of the existing bilateral agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation between Nigeria and the EU.

“The existing bilateral agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation provides a structured framework for cooperation. We seek to enhance its implementation to promote joint research, knowledge-sharing, and investment in priority technological areas,” he noted.

On Nigeria’s clean energy agenda, Nnaji underscored the country’s interest in collaborating with the EU on renewable energy projects.

“As part of our clean energy agenda, we are keen on EU collaboration in Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol projects. These initiatives align with global carbon reduction efforts and will accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition,” he stated.

The minister also called for EU partnerships to establish Innovation Hubs across Nigeria to support start-ups and research-driven entrepreneurship.
“Furthermore, we seek partnerships for establishing Innovation Hubs across Nigeria to support start-ups, research-driven entrepreneurship, and job creation,” he added.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to scientific and technological advancements, Nnaji expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting.

“Your Excellency, today’s meeting is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation for mutual progress. I look forward to productive discussions and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the EU in advancing our scientific and technological ambitions,” he said.

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