Abuja:The Federal Government is enhancing its efforts to commercialise research and innovation outcomes by connecting them with industry to drive economic development. This was announced by Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, during the 3rd Quarter 2026 Stakeholders and Citizens Ministerial Engagement on the Implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Projects and Programmes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative, named ‘Energise Commercialisation Now,’ aims to bridge the gap between research institutions, innovators, and the market. Dr. Udeh highlighted that Nigeria is rich in ideas and research outputs, but these often remain undeveloped into commercial products. The focus is on supporting researchers and innovators to transition from concepts and prototypes to marketable products and revenue-generating ventures.
The initiative was first launched in Kano for the North-West region in April, identifying research and innovation outcomes w
ith investment potential across seven states. Plans are underway to extend the initiative to other geopolitical zones, with the North-Central and South-South regions expected to be next.
Furthermore, Dr. Udeh reported progress in establishing the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) after receiving Federal Executive Council approval and the bill’s transmission to the National Assembly. The proposed fund aims to provide sustainable financing for research and innovation beyond government remittances, addressing the financial gap that often hinders the commercialisation of innovations.
The Ministry’s Youth and Student Innovation Programme has also commenced, targeting the development of digital and technology skills among young Nigerians and students to boost entrepreneurship, employment, and innovation.
Dr. Olushola Odusanya, the Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), stated that the centre is focused on research translating into products, services,
and solutions for societal challenges. NACETEM is also working on developing middle-level technical manpower essential for industrialisation, particularly in areas like welding, foundry, industrial electrical work, and mechatronics. Dr. Odusanya advocated for better measurement of Nigeria’s investment in science and technology and innovation outputs to align with global standards.
The engagement event gathered stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, academia, industry, and other parts of the STI ecosystem.