The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Uche Nnaji, has emphasized the need for impactful research that provides global solutions to position Nigeria as an attractive hub for investment.
Speaking at the First Annual Convening of the Nigerian Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC) in Abuja, themed “Impact Investing: Shaping Policies, Research, and Innovation to Commercialisation – The Roadmap to 2025,” Nnaji, represented by his Special Assistant, Dr. Patricks Oghuma, highlighted the importance of aligning policies to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a global leader in research and innovation. This requires addressing funding gaps, ensuring access to infrastructure, and building partnerships with international organizations and research institutions. By producing research that addresses local and global challenges, we can attract investments and boost capacity,” he said.
Read also
- World Bank set to approve $1.13bn in loans for Nigeria’s economic sectors
- Nigeria partners with UK biotech firm to boost farming
- Ogun State recognizes top graduates, invests in future workforce
- Ogun East road projects to boost small businesses, local trade
- Nigeria Strengthens global partnerships to boost women’s financial inclusion
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to economic diversification, industrialization, and digital transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, noting that innovation is critical to achieving Nigeria’s development goals and increasing export potential.
Chairperson of NIIRIC, Anna Evi-Parker, emphasized the collaborative role of the platform in bridging the gap between researchers and industry leaders, with the aim of building an ecosystem that delivers sustainable impact.
In his goodwill message, Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Chris Ogbechie, described impact investing as a transformative tool for achieving sustainable development, affirming Lagos Business School’s support for initiatives that drive research and innovation.
The event served as a call to action for stakeholders to champion collaborative research efforts that can drive measurable progress in advancing Nigeria’s innovation and investment landscape.
Discover more from SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
