The Federal Government has activated the Nigeria–European Union bilateral framework under Horizon Europe as part of a strategy to unlock research excellence, accelerate technology transfer and drive industrial growth across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Tochukwu Udeh, announced the development during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation of the European Union in Nigeria led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.
Dr. Udeh described the activation of the Horizon Europe agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He explained that the framework establishes a structured and permanent pathway for joint research initiatives, academic exchange, collaborative innovation and infrastructure development aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national innovation ecosystem.
According to the Minister, Innovation, Science and Technology (STI) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy and a catalyst for transitioning from a resource-dependent economy to a globally competitive, knowledge-driven industrial economy.
“Today marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s innovation journey. Through Horizon Europe, we are opening new frontiers for collaboration in digital transformation, renewable energy, health sciences, agriculture, climate innovation and emerging technologies. This partnership is designed to convert research outcomes into scalable industrial solutions that will power national growth,” Dr. Udeh stated.
He further emphasized that the agreement will significantly expand access for Nigerian researchers, universities, start-ups and innovation hubs to participate in joint programmes and benefit from collaborative funding mechanisms under Horizon Europe. He noted that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, dynamic research institutions and vibrant youth population position the country to maximize the opportunities embedded in the partnership.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, underscored the central role of research and innovation in Nigeria’s industrialization drive. He stressed that sustainable economic diversification can only be achieved through deliberate investment in science, technology development and commercialization of research outputs.
“This cooperation with the European Union strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to undertake joint research in areas of mutual interest such as climate change, health systems strengthening, digital technologies and sustainable agriculture, while building the institutional frameworks required for industrial competitiveness,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that science, technology and innovation are critical pillars of modern nation-building. He commended Nigeria’s youthful energy and innovative potential, expressing confidence that the Horizon Europe activation would accelerate the legal and operational processes necessary to implement the bilateral agreement effectively.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation, Mr. Tope Toogun, noted that Nigeria is now strategically positioned to leverage international research partnerships to strengthen its national innovation system and enhance global competitiveness.
In her presentation, the Head of International Cooperation-Asia, Pacific, Africa and Middle East, European Commission/DG Research and Innovation, Ms Nienke Buisma, said Horizon Europe is the EU funding programme for research and innovation and serves as a framework for collaboration that prioritizes areas of mutual interest including climate change, health, digital technologies and sustainable agriculture.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Horizon Europe partnership translates into measurable outcomes, including increased research funding inflows, stronger industry–academia linkages, enhanced technology transfer and sustainable industrial growth that will create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
