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It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said the time has come for Nigeria to take her place among great nations on the globe.
He said: “In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pace of technological advancements is not just fast; it is exponential. Nations that have recognized and harnessed the power of research, development, and innovation are leading the charge towards economic prosperity, societal well-being, and sustainable development. It is time for Nigeria to take its rightful place among these nations.”
The Minister said this on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the National Research, Development and Innovation Coordination Summit.
He said for Nigeria “to achieve this, we must first acknowledge that our RDI ecosystem requires robust coordination, one that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Our goal is to create a system where academia, industry, government, and the community not only interact but thrive together, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking innovations.”
He added that: “Our vision for Nigeria is to become a hub for African innovation, contributing significantly to the global knowledge economy. This can be achieved by implementing a three-pronged approach:
“Strengthening Institutional Frameworks:
It is imperative that we build and strengthen the institutional frameworks necessary for effective RDI coordination. This includes policy reforms that incentivize research and development, protect intellectual properties, and facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.
“Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and academic institutions is crucial. By fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector, we can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions that address our most pressing challenges.
“Investing in Human Capital: At the heart of any successful RDI ecosystem are the people. Investing in education and training to build a skilled workforce ready to navigate and lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is non-negotiable. We must nurture our young talents and provide them with the platforms to excel and innovate.”
The Minister said with the theme of the gathering being: “Advancing Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness, Through a Resilient National RDI Coordination,’’ it is not just a statement of intent; it is a clarion call to action.
He added that: “The journey to enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness through resilient RDI coordination is a collective endeavor.
“We want to bring out all the innovations, the researches we have in the shelf and develop them and that is the fulcrum of my involvement as a minister.”
Chief Strategy Officer of West and Central African Research and Education Network ( WACREN), Mr Omo Oaiya, said one of the things they do was the Pan-African Initiative to Strengthen Open Science in Africa.
He said: “As part of that, we are also working with countries in different events like this to drive cooperation and collaboration so that we can reap the benefits of such an endeavor.
“So RIKE SD is our local facilitator here. But between both of us, we have been able to create a new impetus in the Nigerian RDI coordination space.
“The main goal of this activity is to bring the different RDI actors together to look at a way of co-creating a future that we can build on.
“We are trying to align this with the presidential priorities that have been announced and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Oaiya also said the essence of the summit was to bring international connections to support activity within Nigeria to drive RDI forward.
Global Impact lead, Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development( RIKE SD), Dr Mustapha Popoola, on his part said part of what they are trying to do today was what we call research, development, innovation coordination.
He explained that “RIKE SD is a Nigerian non-for-profit organisation that has a Pan-African scope.
“We are the first research as a service organisation in Nigeria who is looking at taking research, development, innovation, outcomes and output from Nigeria to other African countries.
“For the first time we know that for us to have results based on the directive of Mr. President, we should actually institutionalise the use of research and development outcomes in ministry agencies and departments.
“it is important for us to get coordinated and know what we can offer. We are using an approach, we call it pentagonal nexus whereby the government is going to be working alongside with the industry, academia, and at the same time we are focusing on the community that are going to use those outcomes of research at community level.”
President-elect Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, said the summit is expected to look into the eight areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It will bring out how research and development, and in particular science, technology and innovation research can be used to significantly impact those eight areas of Mr. President.
“It is to bring up what are needed to be undertaken to boost development of the country through programs that involve research, development and innovation, and also through policy making.
“It is very important for the MDAs to incorporate in their yearly programs, aspects that will be boosted through the outputs of research, development and innovation activities”, Sani said.
Also speaking, Chairman Tech India Ltd, Dr. Shabihul Hassan,, said that the whole concept of research, development and innovation is collaboration.
“We have been connecting, collaborating with intellectuals, with members of the public and private sector to see how we can foster growth in the agri-sector, in the health sector, in the power sector, in the infrastructure sector.
“The key is teamwork. This is teamwork within the country, outside the country, collaborating nationally, internationally, and collaborating between the public and private sectors.
“So the private sector sets the way, it sets the standard. The public sector competes. The public sector also becomes competent, equally competent. So it’s collaborative work.
“The purpose of conferences like this is to bring people together, especially intellectuals, people with knowledge, different backgrounds, different countries. And that is the key to development,” he said.
Highlights of the conference is the call by all stakeholders thar there is urgent need for the creation of National Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem in Nigeria.
It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has been urged to treat wildlife trafficking and illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major organized crime threat capable of undermining national security, economic stability and sustainable development.
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Cheikh Touré, gave the warning in Abuja during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, stressing that wildlife crime now operates as a sophisticated international criminal network rather than merely an environmental issue.
Touré said the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to weaken ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows and erode the economic potential of countries rich in biodiversity such as Nigeria.
According to him, wildlife crime has evolved into a serious transnational organised crime that threatens the rule of law and deprives communities of valuable natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.
He explained that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used for traditional healthcare and economic activities, faces increasing pressure from illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and unsustainable harvesting.
Touré, however, acknowledged recent legislative progress made by Nigeria, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework for biodiversity protection.
Despite this progress, he stressed that legislation alone would not stop wildlife crime unless it is backed by effective enforcement, improved institutional capacity and stronger public awareness.
He noted that combating wildlife trafficking requires coordinated partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, international agencies and local communities.
The UNODC official also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to mobilise young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024.
Through a competitive process, selected youths were incorporated into a mentorship programme where conservation experts provided training on digital advocacy, wildlife protection and community mobilisation.
According to Touré, the initiative has helped build a network of young environmental advocates now driving conservation campaigns and community outreach programmes across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the protection of biodiversity is directly linked to human health, economic stability and environmental sustainability.
Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary healthcare resource for millions of people and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.
However, he warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority.
He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to health, climate action and environmental protection.
Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (Nigeria) said the Federal Government recognises the important role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.
Bisong stressed that Nigerian youths must be empowered to champion biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy and community engagement, noting that such efforts can also create green jobs and support economic growth.
He added that young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but critical partners in ensuring that those resources are protected for future generations.
Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat
FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger, reinforcing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid emerging regional challenges.
The evacuation, coordinated by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two separate batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.
He said the humanitarian operation was carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth movement and reception of the returnees.
On arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a coordinated team of government agencies and humanitarian partners tasked with ensuring an orderly reception and immediate support for the returning citizens.
Agencies involved in the reception included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other participating bodies were the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, as well as officials from the Kano and Katsina state governments.
The returnees were subjected to profiling at the airport to document their details and enable appropriate reintegration support. They were later moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano where temporary accommodation, meals, medical attention and other basic necessities were provided.
Authorities said the evacuees were subsequently discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.
The Ministry noted that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be, particularly in situations that pose humanitarian risks.
It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the evacuation process, noting that such collaboration reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.
The ministry further commended international partners, particularly the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their continued support in addressing migration and humanitarian challenges.
Nigerian citizens residing abroad were urged to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate timely assistance in emergency situations.
FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger
FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to enable Christians across the country celebrate Easter.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior (Nigeria), Magdalene Ajani.
The minister congratulated Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the celebration, describing Easter as a period that reflects the enduring values of sacrifice, renewal and hope.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, patience and love as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these values remain critical to national cohesion.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to policies and decisions aimed at promoting national renewal, economic growth and shared prosperity for all Nigerians.
He further wished Christians across the country a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.
Easter is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolising victory over death and the promise of new life for believers.
FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter
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Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat
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