Vice President Kashim Shettima has been appointed to chair a new inter-ministerial framework designed to deepen research and innovation collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union (EU).
Nijatravel report that the initiative, unveiled during the Nigeria–EU Science and Innovation Day in Lagos, seeks to coordinate priority projects across sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, emerging innovations, and sustainable development. The framework will serve as a platform to strengthen institutional partnerships, accelerate commercialization of research, and enhance technological capacity nationwide.
The inter-ministerial framework will integrate efforts across multiple ministries and agencies, with Vice President Shettima providing high-level oversight. The structure is expected to harmonize policies, streamline project execution, and ensure effective utilization of resources in collaboration with EU partners.
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Dr. Kingsley Udeh, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in advancing the country’s research ecosystem. “Coordinated efforts with the EU will allow Nigeria to scale up innovation financing, expand research capacity, and translate scientific discoveries into tangible socio-economic benefits,” he said.
Representatives from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, including Ambassador Gautier Mignot, highlighted that the partnership is built on co-creation principles, focusing on joint solutions to shared challenges such as climate resilience, food security, and digital connectivity.
Ms. Nienke Buisman, Director for International Cooperation in Research and Innovation at the European Commission, noted that Nigerian universities, start-ups, and SMEs have already participated in the Horizon Europe programme, contributing to sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to fintech and sustainable agriculture. The framework is expected to consolidate these efforts into structured, high-impact collaborations.
Observers say the initiative signals Nigeria’s commitment to integrating its innovation agenda with global scientific networks. By centralizing coordination under the inter-ministerial framework, the government aims to attract investment, enhance research outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for technological leadership in Africa.
The Nigeria-EU research collaboration initiative also aligns with broader national development objectives, positioning science and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation and long-term growth. Analysts expect the framework to generate measurable socio-economic impact, improve policy coherence, and expand opportunities for Nigerian researchers and innovators on the international stage.