Stakeholders in Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem have called for the expedited passage of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) Bill to ensure sustainable financing for science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the country.
reports that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a dedicated funding mechanism to strengthen scientific research, promote innovation, and stimulate investment, while reducing reliance on annual budgetary allocations. The fund is being developed under the project titled Strengthening UK–West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SANKORE Project).
The call was made at the Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the Operationalization of Nigeria’s National Research and Innovation Fund, organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), and UNESCO in Abuja.
Participants noted that once passed into law, the Bill would strengthen institutional structures and support the implementation of a Five-Year Strategic Roadmap designed to position the NRIF as a catalyst for economic diversification, inclusive growth, and national development.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Magaji Aliyu, stressed the centrality of innovation to national development.
“With this document coming into law, it means that all we are going to do in this ecosystem is going to be legal. The funding, the government structure, everything will be defined. And this is what you find everywhere in the world. If you look left, right and center, you find young innovators. Nigeria has talent, but the ability to push this talent out, you know, this bill, this fund, will help us to bring them out. We are coming to a point where, rather than running, looking outside for capacities, we begin to look inwards,” Aliyu said.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu disclosed that the Bill has already been passed by the House and is awaiting consideration by the Senate before being transmitted for presidential assent.
“We have good people in the Senate and all this is part of the Renew Hope Agenda, I believe that Mr. President will sign it on the day that he comes across,” he added, expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would assent to the Bill once presented.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, said consultations were ongoing and expressed optimism that significant progress would be achieved before the last quarter of the year.
“We have a Director General who understands the terrain, we are going to support him to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Even if it is a pebble, we have to turn it,” he said.
In his remarks, STI Consultant to UNESCO, Prof. Willie Siyanbola, explained that the project was initiated in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) following an extensive review of Nigeria’s 2012 STI policy and the approval of its revised version in 2022.
He identified the non-activation of the National Research and Innovation Council and the National Research and Innovation Fund as critical gaps in the policy framework.
“For the country to be sufficiently encouraged to activate and to run with the idea of having the National Research and Innovation Fund, as well as giving serious empowerment to the National Research and Innovation Council, the country should be on an exponential transformation, trying to bring out many of our people above the poverty line. I doubt if there is any country that managed to transform without the adoption of science, technology, and innovation channels,” Siyanbola said.
Stakeholders urged the Senate to expedite consideration of the Bill, backed by a high-level advocacy strategy targeting executive and legislative leadership to secure seamless passage and assent.
Under the proposed framework, the NRIF will operate on a Five-Year Strategic Roadmap (2026–2030), with two-year “Quick Wins” (2026–2027) focusing on pilot funding in priority areas such as local vaccine production, climate-smart agriculture, and AI-driven digital innovation.
All grants will undergo independent peer review and be tracked through transparent digital management systems, with performance-based outcomes aimed at translating research into market impact. The operational framework will also align with international trade obligations, including WTO and AfCFTA provisions, while promoting indigenous technology in line with Presidential Executive Order 5.
The consultative process has spanned three workshops. The first, held in December 2025 under the theme “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Innovation Financing,” laid the foundation for operationalization by establishing Thematic Working Groups and drafting a National Policy Framework.
The second workshop, themed “Towards the Operationalization of Nigeria’s National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF): Harmonizing Thematic Priorities and Strategic Pathways,” consolidated recommendations on governance, funding, and coordination.
The third workshop, held in February 2026 under the theme “Setting the Foundation and Defining Strategic Pillars for the Development of a Five-Year Strategy (2026–2030) for NRIF,” translated thematic priorities into a draft execution plan, including defined strategic pillars, resource mobilization strategies, and a Two-Year Quick-Wins Plan for final validation and executive presentation.
