Stakeholders Urge Swift Passage of National Research and Innovation Fund Bill

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s science and technology sector have called for the speedy passage of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) Bill, aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for research, innovation, and technological advancement in the country.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dedicated fund to strengthen scientific research, promote innovation, and reduce dependence on annual government budget allocations. It is designed to support the development of a knowledge-driven economy and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for economic diversification.

The fund is being developed under the project titled “Strengthening UK–West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development” (SANKORE).

At a Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the Operationalisation of the NRIF in Abuja, organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), and UNESCO under the SANKORE Project, experts stressed that the bill would significantly advance science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Nigeria if passed into law.

Participants highlighted the need for strong institutional structures and effective implementation of a Five-Year Strategic Roadmap to position the NRIF as a transformative tool for economic growth, inclusivity, and national development.

Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Magaji Aliyu, said no nation can achieve meaningful development without prioritising science, innovation, and technology. He noted that the bill would provide a solid legal framework for all STI programmes in Nigeria.

According to Aliyu, once enacted, the legislation would clearly define funding mechanisms, governance structures, and operational guidelines for the sector. He emphasised that Nigeria is rich in talent but requires structured support to nurture and harness its innovators.

Rather than depending on foreign expertise, he said the fund would help the country build local capacity and unlock the potential of young innovators.

Aliyu, a former member of the House of Representatives, disclosed that the bill has already been passed by the House and is awaiting Senate approval and presidential assent. He expressed optimism that the Senate would expedite its consideration in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, said consultations are ongoing and expressed hope that substantial progress would be made before the final quarter of the year. He pledged the ministry’s support to ensure the successful passage and implementation of the bill.

Also speaking, UNESCO’s STI Consultant, Prof. Willie Siyanbola, explained that the initiative followed a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s 2012 STI Policy and the approval of its revised version in 2022.

He identified key gaps in the policy’s implementation, particularly the delayed activation of the National Research and Innovation Council and the proposed fund. Siyanbola stressed that no country has achieved economic transformation without effectively leveraging science, technology, and innovation to lift citizens out of poverty.

The proposed NRIF will operate under a Five-Year Strategy Roadmap (2026–2030), with initial two-year “Quick Wins” between 2026 and 2027. These priority interventions will focus on high-impact areas such as local vaccine production, climate-smart agriculture, and artificial intelligence-driven digital innovation.

All grants under the fund will undergo independent peer review and be monitored through transparent digital management platforms. Funding will be performance-based, ensuring measurable research-to-market outcomes. The framework will also comply with international trade obligations, including WTO and AfCFTA provisions, while promoting indigenous technology in line with Presidential Executive Order 5.

The operationalisation process has involved three major stakeholder workshops. The first, held in December 2025 under the theme “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Innovation Financing,” laid the groundwork by reviewing the policy framework and establishing Thematic Working Groups across seven priority areas.

The second workshop focused on harmonising thematic priorities and consolidating outputs into a draft governance and funding framework. The third, held in February 2026, refined the fund’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives, defined five strategic pillars, and produced a draft Five-Year Strategy and Two-Year Quick Wins Plan for final validation and executive presentation.

Stakeholders urged the Senate to expedite consideration of the bill and called for strong advocacy targeting both the Executive and the National Assembly to secure swift legislative approval and presidential assent.