The Federal Government has said it is working towards the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and a National Research Fund (NRF) to boost research and innovation across Nigeria.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, announced this in Abuja during a high-level policy dialogue aimed at strengthening national research and innovation funding structures, using Nigeria as a model for West Africa.

The three-day meeting brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies to strengthen research funding.

Nnaji noted that the event marked an important step towards the launch of the NRIC and NRF, initiatives that are expected to transform Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape and directly align with the government’s national agenda.

Presidential support

While noting that the initiatives are fully supported by President Bola Tinubu, the minister said:

“Let me convey President Tinubu’s full support for these initiatives.

“His administration’s eight-point agenda, focusing on security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, social protection, rule of law and foreign policy, highlights the importance of a knowledge-based economy. »

• The minister further revealed that President Tinubu had already sanctioned the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee under the office of the Vice President.

• This committee, he said, is preparing a draft note from the Federal Executive Council for the formal creation of the NRF.

• It includes representatives from key ministries and stakeholders who are working to create a solid framework for the proposed council and fund.

Bill in the National Assembly

Furthermore, Nnaji confirmed that a bill to establish the NRIC and NRF is currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

“This legislation is essential as it will formalize the council’s mandate and provide the legal basis for sustainable funding. » he said.

• He added that the establishment of these institutions is critical to advancing Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) agenda as outlined in the 2022 STI Policy.

• The NRIC will be responsible for coordinating STI activities across various sectors and ministries, ensuring that projects are aligned with national priorities.

• At the same time, the NRF will fund strategic and competitive research projects that address local and global challenges.

The Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network, Professor Nicholas Ozor, also spoke at the event, urging the government to expedite the establishment of the NRIC and NRF.

He stressed the importance of prioritizing research, innovation and development in Nigeria’s national agenda.

“A thriving research environment is key to national growth. The NRIC will help set national research and development priorities, promoting a collaborative approach to innovation and mobilizing funding for critical areas.

“The NRF will ensure that sustainable resources are available for transformative research and technological advancement” he said.

The event attracted the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from UNESCO, ATPS, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), members of the National Assembly, academics, civil society, the private sector and international partners.

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