The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has declared that Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape is mature enough for commercialization, stressing the urgent need to develop enabling infrastructure that will support the translation of scientific discoveries into viable economic ventures.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on national innovation policy in Abuja, Chief Nnaji emphasized that the country is brimming with untapped scientific talent and research outcomes that, if adequately harnessed, could drive industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development.
“Our research and innovation ecosystem has evolved significantly over the years. What we need now is to bridge the gap between laboratories and the marketplace. Nigeria is ready to move from knowledge generation to wealth creation through commercialization,” the Minister said.
He highlighted the lack of physical infrastructure, venture capital funding, and institutional collaboration as major barriers preventing researchers, innovators, and tech startups from scaling their breakthroughs. Chief Nnaji called for public-private partnerships, policy reforms, and stronger links between research institutions and the manufacturing sector.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government is working on a comprehensive National Research and Innovation Infrastructure Masterplan that will guide investment in innovation hubs, prototype centers, science parks, and digital technology clusters across the six geopolitical zones.
According to him, the Tinubu administration is committed to repositioning innovation as a central pillar of its Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as clean energy, agritech, biotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Stakeholders at the forum including representatives from academia, industry, and international development partners—expressed optimism that with the right policy support, Nigeria can become a regional leader in science-driven entrepreneurship.
Chief Nnaji concluded by urging all actors in the innovation space to “build together the infrastructure that transforms ideas into impact,” assuring that the Ministry will continue to provide the leadership and coordination necessary to unlock Nigeria’s innovation potential.