From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Nigeria is quietly undergoing a technological transformation under the leadership of Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who has leveraged his private sector experience to drive impactful policies and projects since assuming office on August 16, 2023.
Barely two years into his tenure, Chief Nnaji’s initiatives are already yielding measurable results in repositioning the country’s science, technology, and innovation landscape.
Under his watch, the Ministry launched the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE) to bridge the commercialization gap for cleantech startups, offering acceleration support, investor access, and research grants to innovative entrepreneurs.
Through the Tech-Advantage Nigeria Initiative, the ministry is empowering Nigerian youths with digital skills, community apprenticeship opportunities, and entrepreneurship support across the country, fostering a new generation of technology-driven entrepreneurs.
In the clean and renewable energy sector, Chief Nnaji facilitated the establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, to advance clean energy research and innovation.
Additionally, the ministry established a Solar PV Module Assembly Plant in Nkanu West, Enugu State, aimed at boosting local manufacturing capacity for solar energy solutions.
In line with the government’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda, Chief Nnaji’s leadership led to the establishment of a cassava-based ethanol plant in collaboration with Montserrado and FIIRO, positioning Nigeria as a hub for bioethanol-based energy and industrial innovation.
Further boosting local economies, Chief Nnaji facilitated the development of an Integrated Industrial Complex at Akpugo, Enugu State, nearing completion, which includes a rice mill, a bag manufacturing factory, and a state-of-the-art printing press, all targeted at job creation and economic expansion.
Chief Nnaji has also leveraged his global connections to attract critical partnerships. These include signing an MoU with Entrust Microgrid (UK) for lithium battery and green technology development and an agreement with Domineum/Edenbase (UK) to establish the Abuja Tech City, envisioned as a futuristic innovation hub to revolutionize Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
He has further advanced climate-smart agriculture by enhancing Rock Weathering Technology partnerships with FLUX Carbon PLC LTD, promoting carbon sequestration in agriculture.
Beyond projects, Chief Nnaji has been at the forefront of policy reform and national advocacy, emphasizing science-based policymaking aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His focus areas include economic growth, digital economy expansion, clean energy advancement, and youth empowerment.
Amidst economic challenges, Chief Uche Nnaji’s performance within two years has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the collective goal of reviving Nigeria’s economy and fast-tracking its industrial base under the Tinubu administration.