Nigeria’s STI Policy Workshop Highlights Path Toward Sustainable Development, Partnerships, and Local Empowerment

At a workshop co-organized by UNESCO on implementing Nigeria’s 2022 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy and the UNESCO Open Science Recommendation, Uche Nnaji, Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the importance of science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals by 2030.

“This workshop comes at a critical point in our democratic progress,” said Nnaji. “It accelerates our revised 2022 STI policy, UNESCO’s Open Science Recommendation, and key initiatives aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” He emphasized transforming Nigeria’s economy from resource-based to knowledge-driven, underscoring the importance of using local resources, labor, and technology through Executive Order No. 5 to alleviate economic challenges.

He noted his recent participation in UNGA 2024, where he explored partnerships with development allies to address Nigeria’s social and economic issues through STI, including integrating STI in all development sectors and promoting local content.

UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed the role of STI in global sustainable development, stating, “UNESCO believes science is essential for cooperation and a foundation for understanding.” Diallo highlighted UNESCO’s role in fostering collaborations and Nigeria’s commitment to STI, which is reflected in the 2022 STI Policy incorporating open science.

To deliver the 2022 policy’s goals, he added, Nigeria requires a robust plan aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” development plans, and SDG acceleration initiatives.