The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation, technology and entrepreneurship as critical tools for economic diversification and national development.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, made this known during the inaugural Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Speaking at the event, the minister described the festival as a significant milestone in promoting innovation and attracting investment to Plateau State.
He said the gathering demonstrated the state’s growing potential as a hub for business, technology and creative enterprise.
Udeh emphasised the need for Nigeria to move beyond research and focus on transforming innovative ideas into marketable products and services capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
“Research alone is not enough. We must ensure that our discoveries and innovations are translated into commercial ventures that can benefit society and contribute to economic development. Platforms like this provide opportunities for innovators to engage with investors and access the support needed to scale their ideas,” he said.
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The minister stressed that achieving sustainable economic growth would require stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academic researchers and innovators.
He also called for increased value addition to Nigeria’s agricultural and mineral resources rather than exporting raw materials with limited economic returns.
According to him, the Federal Government is implementing policies and programmes aimed at creating a supportive environment for startups, inventors and technology-based enterprises to thrive.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to unlock Plateau State’s vast human and natural resource potential.
He noted that local innovators possess the creativity and talent needed to compete globally if given adequate support and encouragement.
“We have exceptionally talented people here in Plateau. There is no reason we cannot develop world-class solutions and products right here at home. What our innovators need is the right support and opportunities,” the Governor stated.
Mutfwang disclosed that his administration plans to provide financial assistance to startups through a supplementary budget.
He also announced that an innovation hub being developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Plateau Polytechnic is nearing completion and will soon serve as a centre for innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
The governor challenged young innovators to develop practical solutions to societal problems, assuring them that the state government would continue to support initiatives that promote creativity, technological advancement and enterprise development.
Also speaking at the festival, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said Nigeria is blessed with talented young people capable of driving technological transformation across various sectors.
He, however, identified inadequate access to funding as one of the major obstacles limiting the growth of innovation in the country.
“Nigeria has no shortage of brilliant minds. The real challenge is providing the financial resources and support systems required to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures,” he said.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation described the festival as a strategic initiative aimed at building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that will stimulate economic growth and sustainable development across the state.
He said the government remains committed to creating opportunities for young innovators and promoting the use of science and technology as drivers of development.
The festival, themed “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” brought together policymakers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, students and technology enthusiasts to showcase innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The Organisers said the event was designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, encourage innovation-driven development and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while contributing to sustainable growth and national development.
