Nigeria has been challenged to invest heavily in science and innovation in a bid to drive and foster holistic development.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Chief Scientific Adviser and Director for Research and Evidence, Professor Charlotte Watts, stated this when she recently visited Nigeria to assess UK-supported projects driving advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
Her visit showcased the UK’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth through strategic partnerships with Nigeria.
🇬🇧 @CharlotteHWatts met with the National Coordinator @PVAC_NG to learn about 🇳🇬’s efforts to harness the potential of healthcare value chains to generate improved economic growth, employment and health outcomes through evidence-based research.@nabdanig@DrAdigwe@Fmohnigeria pic.twitter.com/6XVAhiSgCh
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@UKinNigeria) December 11, 2024
During her visit to Lagos, Professor Watts engaged with stakeholders, innovators, and project beneficiaries to evaluate the transformative impact of UK-backed initiatives.
She toured the University of Lagos and Hinckley Recycling, both recipients of support under the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) programme, funded by the Research and Evidence Directorate.
At Hinckley Recycling, an e-waste facility developing second-life solutions for lithium-ion batteries, she emphasised the UK’s dual focus on achieving net-zero carbon emissions and empowering livelihoods through clean energy solutions.
“The UK remains committed to partnering with Nigeria to save the environment while supporting businesses with sustainable energy solutions,” Professor Watts said.
She also engaged with stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industries, including music, film, and content creation.
Discussions centred on an ongoing study of Nigeria’s creative landscape, commissioned by the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) and funded through the Evidence Fund.
Innovation Partnerships
In Abuja, Professor Watts met with Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Uche Nnaji, to discuss the Nigerian government’s vision for establishing a domestically funded Science Granting Council. She also held discussions with Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), focusing on enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.
Sustainable Growth
Professor Watts’ visit underlines the UK’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigeria in research and innovation.
These partnerships aim to drive economic growth, address global challenges, and create opportunities for sustainable development.
The UK’s support for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem reflects a shared vision of leveraging technology and creativity to tackle societal challenges and deliver lasting prosperity.
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