The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has affirmed that the collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria will significantly bolster research in technology innovation, advance technological development, and unlock Nigeria’s potential in the tech sector. Nnaji made these remarks during the recently concluded Nigeria-EU Innovation Days held in Lagos.
Represented by Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the minister emphasized that technological innovation is a key driver of economic growth for any nation. Nnaji highlighted that this partnership would enhance capacity building, assuring that the Nigerian government is committed to supporting collaboration and innovation through a robust support system involving stakeholders from the private sector and academia.
Participants at the forum expressed optimism that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda could be a transformative force, unlocking the vast potential of the African continent.
The two-day event, jointly organized by the European Union and the Nigerian government, gathered representatives from Nigeria, broader Africa, and European research and innovation ecosystems. They discussed opportunities for researchers in e-Health, Agritech, and Industry 4.0 sectors.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, stated that Nigeria is on the brink of a technological revolution, with a vision to leverage science, innovation, and technology for economic growth, job creation, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Our Science, Innovation, and Technology Roadmap encapsulates this vision, outlining a comprehensive plan to achieve these goals. At the Ministry of Youth Development, we focus on three fundamental pillars: promoting STEM education, encouraging entrepreneurship and startups, and fostering international collaborations.
“The Nigeria of tomorrow will be a nation that not only consumes technology but also creates it. It will be a nation that exports not just resources but ideas. It will be a nation where every child, regardless of background, can become a scientific pioneer. This is the Nigeria we will build together. The time for action is now. Let the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days be the spark that ignites a scientific revolution on African soil,” Bio-Ibrahim declared.
Presenting the AU-EU Innovation Agenda at the forum, Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, EU Co-chair of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Working Group, underscored the enduring partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). He stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“In today’s world, innovation is crucial for addressing global issues and achieving sustainable development. The EU-Africa Innovation Agenda is a roadmap for driving innovation on the African continent,” Lorusso stated.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, highlighted the significance of the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days, held in Nigeria for the first time. She praised the remarkable synergy between Nigerian and European research institutions, universities, and innovators.
“This platform is where ideas meet action, showcasing the best of our collaborative efforts in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the creative sectors,” Isopi said.
