By Sylvester Thompson
Two years into his administration, President Bola Tinubu’s advocacy for a development agenda focused on science-driven and innovation-led initiatives in the field of science, technology and innovation has continued to gain momentum.
The science, technology and innovation sector of the economy has indeed witnessed remarkable advancement, specifically in clean energy and digital transformation.
One of the principal actors in the reform process is the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
In a presidential broadcast to mark his midterm anniversary, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of NASENI in shaping his administration.
Tinubu said NASENI had embraced digital approach to its operations such as the implementation of end e-procurement procedure through its Unified ERP System.
He said this sets a new governance benchmark for public institutions.
Tinubu further acknowledged that NASENI carried out initiatives such as Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Program, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora.
The president said NASENI was able to assemble electric vehicles, revived idle assets, launched Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and trained female drone engineers.
Tinubu said: “These initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening a future of possibilities for our youths.”
Another area the Tinubu administration has made a bold statement is the transition from fossil fuel-vehicles to new energy ones.
“This project is in line with the presidential declaration on climate change, Nigerian clean energy policy which seeks to achieve net-zero GHG emissions.
“Through the use of solar energy, we are transitioning towards a low-carbon economy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in the transport sector,” said Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
He spoke at the inauguration of the first Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging Station, situated in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, said: “this project is more than just an infrastructure milestone.
“It is a testament to our nation’s resolve to embrace technological advancement in energy and transportation.
“By fostering strategic partnerships like this between ECN and EMVC, we pave the way for a more sustainable, eco-friendly future, reducing carbon emissions and aligning Nigeria with global trends in electric mobility,” he said.
Nnaji also highlighted Tinubu’s approval of four new satellites under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), saying the project would impact on national security, disaster response, agriculture, and land administration.
The administration’s commitment to science, technology and innovation has further been demonstration with the creation of Nigeria’s first Clentech Innovation Policy.
It aims at catalysing green industrialisation and generating over 500,000 jobs in sectors such as agritech, smart manufacturing and renewable energy.
Nnaji underscored the proposed 30 per cent Minimum Value-Addition Bill, which would mandate a baseline level of local processing for raw materials before export or industrial use.
Similarly, the revival of Nigeria’s cassava value chain, especially the industrial use of high-grade cassava starch is central to the ministry’s push for import substitution and rural industrialisation.
Other areas of interest include a multi-billion pounds Green and Blue Methanol Industrial Complex aimed at producing low-carbon fuel; and the field testing of Nigeria’s first Artemisinin Extraction Plant for malaria treatment.
However, experts say without the right infrastructure in place, the Federal Government’s ambition to make science, innovation and technology to contribute more to the nation’s economy would be a mirage.
To, this effect, the Tinubu administration has committed $2 billion to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, with the aim of boosting the nation’s economy and safeguarding the digital identities and rights of its citizens.
Mr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing briefing newsmen on the forthcoming International telecommunication Union, (ITU) Summit.
“This investment is part of a larger vision to provide every Nigerian with access to high-quality digital services, while safeguarding their digital identities.
“We are committed to connecting every Nigerian, ensuring that digital infrastructure benefits all citizens,” Tijani said.
One of area of concern for Nigerians is food security and those knowledgeable about science and technology say appropriate deployment of innovation and technology can help in solving the impasse.
‘If farmers are not buying into technology, there cannot be a change. African leaders are not investing enough in agriculture.
“ Nigeria is a very strategic country because of its population. Nigeria is the biggest producer of yam and cassava in the world,’’ said. Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin.
Okogbenin is the Director Programme and Commercialisation, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) says technology can be used to improve yields and extend life shelf of farm produce.
“We are still not there because of the yield levels. In fact, Africa’s yield gap is about 70 to 90 per cent of the yield potentials of these crops. What it means is that farmers are not meeting the full potential,’’ he said.
A cyber expert, Mr Bukola Sobowale is of the view that deployment of technology can also help the country in fighting terrorism and other security challenges.
Sobowale is a senior software engineer and tech expert who specialises in web and cloud technologies, Internet of Things (IoT).
“It is true that crime and insecurity are on the rise in Nigeria, and I believe technology, especially artificial intelligence, can play a critical role in addressing this.
“I would advise the Federal Government to invest in AI-driven surveillance systems that can support real-time threat detection in public spaces.
“Tools like facial recognition, object detection, and predictive analytics can help security agencies respond faster and more accurately,’’ he said in a media report.
Sylvester Thompson writes for the News Agency of Nigeria
