Uche Nnaji: EU partnership will boost Nigeria’s tech advancement

Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science, and technology, says the partnership between the European Union (EU) and Nigeria will boost the country’s technological advancement. 

Nnaji’s remarks were delivered at the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days in Lagos on Tuesday.

The minister was represented at the event by Matthew Adepoju, the director general of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). 

“The collaboration will enhance capacity building, and government is committed to ensuring robust support systems from all stakeholders in the private sector and academia to drive innovation,” he said.

Stakeholders at the forum expressed confidence that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda would unlock Africa’s potential.

The event was organised by the EU and the Nigerian government.

Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, the minister of youth development, said the Nigerian government has a vision of harnessing science, innovation, and technology for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.

“Our Science, Innovation, and Technology Roadmap lays out a comprehensive plan for achieving these goals. The Ministry of Youth Development focuses on promoting STEM education, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering international collaborations,” she said.

“The Nigeria of tomorrow will be a nation that not only consumes technology but also creates it. 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 in Africa.”

Vincenzo Lorusso, EU co-chair of the AU-EU innovation agenda working group, noted the longstanding partnership between the African Union (AU) and the EU in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

He emphasised 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,” he said.

“The agenda focuses on four key areas: Fostering innovation for a more peaceful and secure Africa, encouraging innovation to drive economic growth and job creation; developing innovative solutions to combat climate change; and promoting sustainable energy use and harnessing innovation to improve social development and empower people.”

He said the agenda included short, medium, and long-term actions with clear implementation plans, while noting that stakeholders will benefit from access to funding, networking opportunities, and collaboration platforms.

Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, lauded the synergy between Nigerian and European research institutions, universities, and innovators.

Isopi noted that the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days aims to provide opportunity for researchers and innovators to showcase their work, network with potential partners, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

“This platform is where ideas meet action, showcasing our best collaborative efforts in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the creative sectors,” Isopi said. 

“We believe that by supporting these efforts, we can unlock solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.”