Nigeria, EU working to improve their R&D connections

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, has stated that Nigeria and the European Union would increase bilateral connections, particularly in the areas of agriculture and R&D findings. 

Ambassador Samuela Isopi, the Nigerian ambassador to the European Union, paid Onu a courtesy call in Abuja on Thursday. 

Nigeria aims to be an industrialized nation, self-sufficient in order to feed its enormous population, generate jobs, and decrease poverty to the bare minimum, according to Deputy Director Press FMSTI Mr. Afonja Ajibola.  

He went on to say that there are other sectors of Science, Technology, and Innovation where he feels both sides would gain, and that his country is willing to collaborate with the European Union to achieve the desired goal. 

According to the Minister, as a country, we need to use STI to tackle various challenges in the sectors of agriculture, education, and security. 

He reaffirmed that the federal government, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, is committed to lifting hundreds of millions of Nigerians out of poverty over the next decade, which is why the government is increasing its investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI).  

Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation, urged the EU ambassador to broaden the scope of the EU’s aid to Africa in the development of STI. 

He went on to say that the European Union could invest in fields like nanotechnology, fintech, engineering, agriculture, and many others. 

Earlier, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the European Union, Samuela Isopi, stated that the EU is interested in collaborating with Nigeria in the field of science, technology, and innovation, as it is a pillar for long-term growth. 

One of their goals, according to the Ambassador, is to have a voice point of each squad that is well-trained and capable.