Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has announced the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. Emphasizing the importance of a collaborative spirit to address national challenges and ensure a prosperous future, Nnaji highlighted the administration’s plan to establish a National Research and Development Innovation (RDI) coordination center.
The Key Initiatives
- RDI Coordination Center: The center, under the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, aims to integrate and enhance RDI efforts across Nigeria. Nnaji stressed the administration’s dedication to this initiative during a report presentation by the Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKESP) led by Executive Director Dr. Mustapha Poopola. The report outlined the eight presidential priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Engagement of Agencies: Nnaji called on all agencies within the ministry to actively engage with the RDI coordination center, emphasizing its important role in the initiative’s success.
- Foundation of Development: Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, the permanent secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the importance of science, technology, and innovation as foundational to national development. She emphasized the need to fully deploy scientific tools across all sectors of the economy.
- Commercialization of R&D: The ministry is focused on creating tools to transform research and development products into commercial goods and services, driving economic growth.
Alignment with Presidential Priorities
Dr. Mustapha Poopola of RIKESP explained that the project leverages science, technology, and innovation to address President Tinubu’s eight priority areas for socio-economic development. He called for synergy between the ministry and government agencies to achieve the socio-economic advancement of the country in line with Tinubu’s directives.
This collaborative approach and strategic initiatives shows Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging innovation, science, and technology for national economic growth and development.
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