Federal Govt Tasks States On Implementation Of STI Policy

The federal government has implored states to implement Nigeria’s policies on Science Technology and Innovation (STI) for the growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy in order to realise the objectives of the “Renewed Hope” of President Bola Tinubu.

Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji gave this task while delivering his keynote address at the First Edition of the interactive forum for state commissioners in charge of Science and technology, which was held in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister noted that over the years critical constraints that hindered the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Science and Technology Policy 2012 have been identified. The challenges include the uptake of R&D results, weak collaboration among key stakeholders, inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and weak institutional capacity.

The minister added that the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (NSTIR) 2017-2030 came on stream as a strategic response to the constraints, stressing that the NSTIR 2017-2030 is to catalyse the effective implementation of the programmes and projects in the STI ecosystem in Nigeria.

The STI policy targets among other things, mobilisation of  Nigeria’s intellectual resources for growth and diversification of the economy, provision of incentives for all stakeholders, improvement of science infrastructure, intensification of R&D, and development of talents and skills.

“Consequently, the enormous potential of the NSTIR in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is only realisable when effectively implemented at the sub-national levels.  Therefore, domesticating this roadmap is crucial. It involves the collective responsibility of the national and sub-national governments, policy makers, academia, and the organised private sector to translate the roadmap into tangible actions that produce meaningful impacts,” the Minister said.

He urged the states to align their technological advancements with local priorities, providing solutions for region -specific challenges and promoting a more robust and resilient scientific ecosystem that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“This alignment will ensure inclusivity, unlock the immense potential of our nation’s intellectual and technological resources, and propel our states to the forefront of technological advancement,” he said even as he urged them to invest in STI parks, incubation centres and innovation hubs.

The new permanent secretary of the Ministry Esuabana Nko-Asanye said Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind among nations making progress in Science Technology and Innovation. She noted that the stakeholders must put strategies in transforming Nigeria’s raw materials into finished products that will add value to the economy.

The permanent secretary also warned that the security challenges in the country are impediments to STI development and called for urgent effort to address them.