Abuja: Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the launch of four satellites to aid Earth observation and strengthen national security. Nnaji made this declaration at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) in Abuja. The meeting, under the theme ‘Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity,’ took place from May 12 to May 14.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the satellites include three Earth Observation satellites and one Radar Aperture satellite. Nnaji highlighted the importance of these satellites, emphasizing their role in obtaining real-time images regardless of time or weather conditions, which will be crucial for military operations. He noted the current dependence on purchased images and data for operations such as monitoring the Sambisa Forest.
The minister also discussed the ongoing review of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy by an inter-ministerial committee. This review aims to establish a National Research and Innovation Fund. Nnaji stressed the need for Nigeria to bridge the gap between research and industry, urging the country to utilize its research potential to build a robust economy and technological advancements.
He emphasized the importance of the Research, Development, Innovation, and Commercialisation (RDIC) cycle, which has propelled other economies to prominence. He urged support for young innovators through structured financing and mentorship to translate their ideas into marketable innovations. The council’s resolutions are expected to be presented to the FEC for further adoption.
Nnaji explained the postponement of the 22nd edition of the council meeting, originally scheduled for 2024, to 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he assured that plans for the 23rd edition are underway to restore the regular schedule and accelerate innovation-driven growth in Nigeria.
Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, called for a united effort in building a dynamic ecosystem to address national challenges like unemployment, insecurity, and climate change. She highlighted the presentation of 109 memoranda reflecting diverse inputs aimed at strengthening the role of science, technology, and innovation in national development.
The submissions underscored the need for commercializing indigenous research, enhancing funding for research development, and building capacity in emerging technologies. The collaboration among agencies is expected to address sector-specific challenges in health, agriculture, education, energy, and politics.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Dr. Morris Mbaeri, reiterated the meeting’s theme’s relevance for sustainable national development. He advocated for a resilient innovation ecosystem where research addresses real-world challenges and fosters long-term prosperity.
Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, President of the African University of Science and Technology, recommended increasing R and D spending to three percent of the nation’s GDP and establishing more RDIC clusters and hubs. He emphasized the need to operationalize the National Research and Innovation Council Fund to coordinate efforts in line with the STI policy.