FG takes Action to Increase Enterprise Development Research Funding.
Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, stated on Thursday that the Federal Government is moving forward with plans to increase funding for research in order to speed up enterprise development and commercialization.
At the Nigeria-EU Science and Innovation Day in Abuja, where researchers, policymakers, innovators, and private sector players gathered to enhance collaboration and fortify institutional ties, the minister made the announcement.
In his keynote speech, Udeh stated that digital transformation, emerging technologies, and agricultural productivity and food security are top areas for cooperation. He also mentioned that “implementation will be coordinated through an inter-ministerial framework chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
In order to promote enterprise development and speed up commercialization, he added, “The Federal Government is moving forward with plans to enhance research financing mechanisms and broaden international research partnerships.”
Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the Head of the European Union’s Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized co-creation as the cornerstone of EU-Nigeria collaboration in science and innovation, characterizing the partnership as one based on shared ownership rather than a straightforward knowledge transfer.
“Innovation and science are essential to inclusive and sustainable development, especially when tackling issues like food security, digital connectivity, and climate resilience,” stated Mignot.
He pointed out that the European Union’s involvement in Nigeria is set up to support research-to-market pathways, bolster institutional capacity, and strengthen national innovation systems.
He emphasized continued cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which includes funding frameworks for the creative industry, innovation ecosystem development, and digital transformation projects.
He also mentioned collaboration in line with national priorities to improve the enabling conditions for innovation and enterprise and to increase digital infrastructure.
Nigeria continues to be one of the top African participants in Horizon Europe, the EU’s premier research and innovation program, according to Nienke Buisman, Director for International Cooperation in Research and Innovation at the European Commission.
“Nigerian universities, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises are partnering with European counterparts across strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence applications, sustainable agriculture, fintech innovation, and climate adaptation initiatives under the AU–EU Innovation Agenda,” she emphasized.
Buisman urged stakeholders to fortify institutional ties and expand cooperative research initiatives, characterizing the current talks between Nigeria and the EU as a chance to integrate current cooperation within a logical and progressive framework.
In recent years, research and innovation collaboration between the EU and Nigeria has gradually increased. About €20 million has been allocated to 55 projects involving Nigerian entities under Horizon Europe, spanning industries like agriculture, food systems, health, and the environment.
15 Nigerian organizations are currently involved in 12 projects under the Global Health EDCTP3 program, which has attracted approximately €75 million in total investment.
