The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, has applauded Enugu State for its strides in technological advancement, assuring innovators and participants at the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) that their ideas and research outputs will be commercialised to drive economic growth.
Dr. Udeh gave the commendation at the close of the four-day festival held from February 24 to 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. He described the event as a clear reflection of Nigeria’s transition from technological dependence to home-grown innovation and solution-driven development.
According to the minister, the festival showcased Nigeria’s increasing capacity to develop indigenous solutions powered by local talent and creativity. He noted that the quality of ideas and research presentations at the event underscored the country’s readiness to compete in the global innovation ecosystem.
He praised the Enugu State Government for integrating technology into governance and daily life. Among the initiatives highlighted were the state’s Command and Control Centre, which has enhanced security operations, the digitisation and automation of the judicial system, the adoption of e-governance across the public service, and the establishment of Smart Green Schools.
Dr. Udeh further disclosed that the Federal Government, under its Renewed Hope Agenda, is prioritising the commercialisation of research and innovation outcomes. He emphasised that the festival was not merely about networking and exhibitions but about transforming viable ideas into market-ready solutions.
“This programme is not just about gathering people together and getting them excited about technology,” he stated, adding that mechanisms are already being put in place to ensure that research outcomes are translated into products and services that generate income and provide practical solutions.
He assured participants that innovations emerging from the festival would receive the necessary support to move from concept to commercial application, stressing that Nigeria is building a robust ecosystem that connects research institutions, innovators and the marketplace to turn creativity into economic opportunity.
