FG Begins Operationalisation of National Research Fund as FMIST Rallies STI Stakeholders
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Science, Technology and Innovation as a driver of economic diversification and industrial transformation, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund.
Speaking at the opening of the 3-Day National Concertation on STI, the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the Operationalisation of the NRIDF in Abuja, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh stated that the Fund will create a sustainable financing framework to accelerate research commercialisation, industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Organised by FMIST and Sheda Science and Technology Complex in collaboration with UNESCO, the concertation brought together the National Assembly, agencies, academia, private sector, and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s national innovation system.
Udeh said the Tinubu administration recognises STI as a critical enabler for agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, energy, and the digital economy. He stressed that Nigeria must deepen collaboration among government, academia, research institutions, industry, and partners to turn research outputs into commercially viable products with measurable socio-economic impact.
The Minister disclosed that the Office of the Attorney-General is preparing an Executive Bill to provide the legal and institutional framework for NRIDF.
In a statement by Mrs Pauline Sule, the Ministry’s Head of Information, he expressed confidence that the National Assembly would give it speedy consideration.
The Minister noted that NRIDF aligns with ongoing efforts to catalyse private sector participation and build a performance-oriented STI ecosystem for innovation-led enterprises and economic prosperity.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary, FMIST, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad disclosed that the concertation aims to link research with societal and industrial needs so that “our laboratories become our factories.” He said the Ministry will align with global partners, including the UN system, to make STI central to diversification.
SHESTCO DG, Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu highlighted that innovation thrives where government, academia, industry, and development partners collaborate to create value.
UNESCO Head of Science Sector, Dr. Enang Moma, reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to support FMIST in transforming research into products and services that benefit Nigeria’s economy.
