The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has announced the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and the National Research Fund (NRF) to drive research and innovation across Nigeria.
Nnaji, during a high-level policy dialogue aimed at fortifying national research and innovation funding structures in Abuja, said the move would transform the security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital sectors of the economy.
This, he noted, aligns with the president’s directive on innovations and investment drive across critical sectors of the economy.
He said, “Allow me to convey President Tinubu’s full support for these initiatives.
“His administration’s eight-point agenda focused on security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, social welfare, rule of law, and foreign policy highlights the importance of a knowledge-driven economy.”
The Minister announced that President Tinubu has approved an inter-ministerial committee under the Vice President’s office to draft a Federal Executive Council memo for establishing the National Research Fund (NRF), with input from key ministries and stakeholders.
On the heels of the development, he added that a bill for the creation of the NRIC and NRF is currently under review by the National Assembly
“This legislation is critical as it will formalise the council’s mandate and provide the legal foundation for sustainable funding,” he said.
Establishing the NRIC and NRF is key to advancing Nigeria’s 2022 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy the minister said while adding that the NRIC will coordinate national STI efforts, and the NRF will fund research addressing local and global challenges.
The Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Professor Nicholas Ozor, urged the government to accelerate the establishment of the NRIC and NRF.
He said, “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 mobilising funding for critical areas.
“The NRF will ensure that sustainable resources are available for transformative research and technological advancement.”
