With the aim of boosting productivity and fostering inclusive growth, Nigeria is increasingly anchoring its economic reform agenda on science, technology, and innovation.
Across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education and the digital economy, government agencies and indigenous research institutions are deploying scientific solutions to improve livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience.
To foster economic diversification, President Bola Tinubu has frequently emphasised leveraging research and digital innovation to propel Nigeria’s growth, particularly through initiatives like the 3MTT programme and the 2025 Industrial Policy.
“We must invest in knowledge, innovation and technology to build a competitive, resilient and inclusive economy.
“Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on how well we deploy science to solve our development challenges.”
In addition, Tinubu has emphasised the importance of science-backed agriculture in tackling hunger and poverty.
“Food security is national security; we must apply science, innovation and modern technology to agriculture to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable and nutritious food,” he said.
Experts note that biotechnology research, improved crop varieties and modern farming techniques are helping to boost yields and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency an agency under the Federal (NBRDA), Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, provides insights.
According to NBRDA, biotechnology is critical to achieving food security and nutrition sustainability.
The Director-General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said scientific innovation offers practical solutions to longstanding agricultural challenges.
“Biotechnology enables us to improve crop productivity, enhance nutritional value and develop resilience against pests and climate stress.
“These innovations are essential for food security and rural economic growth,” he said.
Stakeholders are also of the submission that science and technology are also central to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, particularly in reducing import dependence and strengthening local value chains.
According to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), research-driven utilisation of indigenous raw materials is critical to repositioning Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
At the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) and Nigeria Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo in Lagos in August 2025, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, Director General of the RMRDC, warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported industrial inputs was undermining economic growth.
“Nigeria has abundant raw materials, but without science-driven value addition, industrial growth will remain weak,” he said.
He said there was a need for stronger collaborations between research institutions and manufacturers.
Similarly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), says local engineering solutions and indigenous manufacturing capacity are essential for sustainable development.
At the unveiling of NASENI’s fabricated products and prototypes in Abuja in 2025, the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, said Nigeria must prioritise home-grown technology to drive industrial growth.
“Science and Engineering infrastructure are the backbone of industralisation.
“Our mandate is to ensure that Nigerian solutions power Nigeria’s development,” he said.
Recall that Tinubu has also consistently aligned with this approach, stressing the need for value addition and innovation-driven growth.
“We cannot continue to export raw materials and import finished goods. Industrialisation, driven by innovation and local capacity, is the pathway to economic strength,” Tinubu said.
In the healthcare sector, science and technology are improving diagnostics, pharmaceutical research and disease surveillance.
Officials say investments in biotechnology and local pharmaceutical production are essential for health security and economic stability.
“Strengthening local research capacity in healthcare reduces our dependence on imports and improves resilience,” an official in the ministry said.
Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, driven by innovation in software development, fintech and digital services.
Technology hubs, research centres and innovation programmes are nurturing startups and creating jobs, particularly for young people.
According to sector analysts, the digital economy’s contribution to
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow with improved broadband penetration and digital skills development.
Experts describe the digital economy as a strategic growth sector, and that technology is a powerful driver of jobs and economic inclusion.
What’s more, science and technology are also reshaping education and skills development; hence, the emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is aimed at building a future-ready workforce.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology acknowledges that strengthening research institutions and aligning education with industry needs remain priorities.
Uche Nnaji, the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said research outcomes must translate into real economic value.
“Our goal is to ensure that science and technology deliver measurable benefits to Nigerians,” Nnaji said.
More so, education experts argue that investing in scientific skills is critical for long-term competitiveness.
Beyond the productive sectors, science and technology are improving governance through data-driven policymaking, digital public services and innovation-led reforms.
Analysts say evidence-based research enhances transparency, efficiency and service delivery.
In spite of progress, stakeholders acknowledge challenges including limited research funding, infrastructure gaps and weak linkages between academia and industry.
However, experts agree that sustained investment and policy consistency can unlock the full potential of science and technology.
“There is no alternative to innovation-led development,” Peter Essien, a technologist said.
He advised that the country must place science and technology at the heart of its development agenda to witness growth.
As Nigeria navigates complex socioeconomic challenges, science and technology are increasingly shaping solutions across key sectors of the economy.
By strengthening institutions such as NBRDA, NASENI and RMRDC, supporting innovation and aligning research with national priorities, stakeholders say Nigeria can accelerate inclusive growth and build a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.
