By Adaora Adibe
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has taken a decisive step toward fostering coordinated research and technological advancement in Nigeria with the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation (IMC–RI).
Announcing the initiative in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, stated that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation was created to unify and coordinate Nigeria’s research priorities under a single, strategic framework. This, he said, is expected to bring together key ministries in: Education, Health, Agriculture, Energy, ICT, Industry, Environment, among others with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His excellency, Kashim Shettima serving as Chairman, and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology as the coordinating secretariat.
He stated that research and innovation have moved beyond the walls of laboratories and now sit at the heart of national development, security, economic diversification, and societal transformation. According to Nnaji, “We have identified five priority sectors that hold the greatest potential to drive economic diversification, enhance competitiveness, reduce import dependency, and position Nigeria for global leadership. These are Agriculture and Climate Resilience, Manufacturing Excellence, Energy Security, Healthcare Innovation, and Natural Resources Optimisation.”
The minister urged the members of the diplomatic missions to partner in the journey. Noting that many of their nations are global leaders in research, innovation ecosystems, and capacity development. “We seek to work hand-in-hand with you to expand technical cooperation for joint research programmes; to strengthen scholarships and academic exchanges that grow our STEM capacity; to support innovation hubs and technology parks; and to enable shared access to research infrastructure, knowledge repositories, and advanced digital platforms,” he asserted.
You Might AlsoLike
Presenting his goodwill message, the host, DG RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, applauded the initiative, which he said aligns with the RMRDC drive for research and innovation. He mentioned the Research and Demonstration Plant Complex (RDPC), which he stated is one of the biggest complexes for innovation of all public sector organisations today in Nigeria. “There, we have more than 60 pilot plants and a lot of research innovations that are ready for commercialisation. I think it will provide us with a take-off platform,” the DG said.
He also mentioned the recent effort of the Ministry in granting the Tax incentive mandate to the Council, which enables RMRDC to reward organisations that are utilising local raw materials in their production processes.
“We have to innovate to have substitutes that are locally available to be able to achieve that, the sensitisation efforts will commence soon, and I think the IMC-IR will take advantage of it,” Prof. Ike-Muonso added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Innovation, Mr. Nasir Yammama, described the event as key. He noted that the single necessary and sufficient condition for global prosperity is innovation. He observed that for a country like Nigeria to achieve innovation at a great level, policies like IMC-IR need to be aligned. He stated, “The IMC-IR has the potential not only to enable us to achieve Mr. President a trillion-dollar economy by 2030, but also to carry Nigerians along in the matters of prosperity.”
Highlighting the committee’s role, the Coordinator of the IMC-IR, Dr. Tope Togun, said it was inaugurated by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, on April 17, 2025, with 14 ministries as members. He emphasised the 5 sectors of focus and improving the balance of trade beyond innovation. He explained that the mandate is to deliver on a one trillion-dollar economy, which he said will be achieved through programs like hosting a presidential plenary on innovation, which will be tagged the national innovation summit, that would bring all players in the ecosystem together and a couple of other strategies.
He urged diplomatic communities and relevant stakeholders at the event to partner in this regard to ensure the realisation of the assignment. Noting that the committee is interested in signing a bilateral agreement and reviewing the old ones for implementation with them.
The Director, Planning, Research and Policy Analysis, Mrs. Salamatu Mohammed, presenting the vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the European Union (EU), diplomats, Ministries, and many other stakeholders for their representations.
The event ended with a shared commitment by all parties to drive the agenda to a successful end.
