Since assuming office on August 16, 2023, the Honourable Minister for Innovation, Science, and Technology has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives, breaking new ground and driving innovation, technology, and scientific advancements to new heights.
Pithy, intellectual, and effortlessly articulate, the Honourable Minister’s focus on harnessing modern science and innovative technology to stimulate economic growth and enhance public services is unparalleled. His intention is clear: to explore uncharted territories and emerging areas of innovation and development within the country’s technology landscape. He aims to guide a new era of growth, advancement, and exploration across various industries, implementing groundbreaking models and innovative solutions to achieve transformative impacts. His goal is to replicate these initiatives throughout all regions of the country.
In pursuit of rapid results, the Honourable Minister deliberately commits to engaging the best minds and teams from around the world— tested and untainted internationally recognized faculties.
In early 2024, Minister Nnaji showcased the strides of the Federal Ministry for Innovation and Technology (FMIST) at an impressive Technology and Innovation Expo. At this event, the FMIST expanded public awareness by emphasizing the importance and relevance of innovative technology and new sciences in addressing national challenges, enhancing revenue generation, and promoting national growth.
A key takeaway from that expo was the Ministry’s pioneering efforts in developing solutions that integrate climate finance, sustainable food systems, and new technologies to simplify processes and improve everyday lives.
To support these initiatives, the FMIST, under her unique leadership, is committed to promoting and deepening indigenous research, development, and production capabilities that leverage new technology models across various sectors of the economy.
In February 2024, the Honourable Minister secured necessary approvals and executed an operational agreement for the installation of three Nigeria-owned optical satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite. These satellites shall serve critical functions, including precision agriculture, mineral exploration, pipeline monitoring, early warning systems, disaster management, and security surveillance and intelligence gathering.
To further enhance these capabilities, the Ministry established a working partnership with Adani Defence and Aerospace of India and AVIC-KDN for the essential technology transfer to catalyze the domestic manufacturing of purpose-built unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.
To strengthen its arms in this respect, FMIST, through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), completed a cooperation agreement with ELEOS-GETS of Israel for the joint development of advanced coastal radar surveillance equipment as a crucial buffer.
As with NASRDA, the FMIST similarly stretches her other special Agencies in tune with the Honourable Minister’s rapid results approach to implementing the Federal Government’s action policies and programs: in line with the renewed hope blueprint and thrust of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR.)’s administration.
Following that push, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) leveraged the Ministry’s reach to firm up a technical partnership with Montserrado Investments for the establishment of a pilot cassava-based ethanol plant in Ekiti State.
On this project, the Hon. Minister remarked that “the initiative underscores our Ministry’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s bio-energy value chain and promoting sustainability”. He emphasized that “it demonstrates collective efforts toward the federal government’s commitment to transitioning to clean cooking fuel. Thus, through… facilitating the production and use of ethanol derived from cassava, the Ministry is taking a vital step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources.”
With this project, the Minister roundly envisions precipitate enhancement of profitability in the cassava value chain while simultaneously generating high employment numbers across several related sectors. Additionally, reducing the use of kerosene and firewood will support health and environmental initiatives by “protecting citizens from the harmful carbon emissions associated with kerosene stoves and firewood, preserving our forests, and thereby improving our carbon footprint,” as Chief Nnaji posited.
As our country navigates the complexities of the 21st century, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology’s push for transformative change through diverse initiatives has positioned the nation for accelerated economic growth and development, offering a promising outlook for a brighter future.
As our country continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology’s drive for transformative change with diverse innovative strides has positioned the Country for accelerated economic growth and development. Anchoring beams of hope for greater upbuilding and refreshing brightness in the proximate future.
Ebuka Gozie, a certified naturopath and public affairs analyst, contributes from [email protected]
