NATIONAL POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A Policy that promotes science and technology as drivers of economic growth in Nigeria. It targets research institutions, innovators, and government agencies to increase R&D investment and foster innovation. This aims to address key national development challenges.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's overarching policy framework for the development of science, technology, and innovation as drivers of economic diversification and national competitiveness.

Who Does It Target?

Research institutions and universities Technology entrepreneurs and innovators Federal and state science and technology agencies International research and technology partners

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Build Nigeria's science and technology capacity, increase R&D investment to 1% of GDP, promote innovation-driven industrialisation, and apply technology to solve Nigeria's key development challenges.

Key Features

R&D Investment: Targets increased government and private sector investment in research and development. Technology Commercialisation: Promotes pathways for commercialising research outputs from universities and research institutes. STEM Education: Strengthens science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education from primary through tertiary levels. Innovation Hubs: Supports development of innovation hubs, technology parks, and startup ecosystems.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide science and technology sector Beneficiaries: Nigerian economy; technology sector; innovation ecosystem Funding: Federal Government; TETFund; international research partnerships

How to Access

Research institutions may access competitive research grants Technology startups may engage the National Information Technology Development Agency for support Application method: Engage the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.fmst.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

Legal Framework

Operates under the Science and Technology Act Cap S4 LFN 2004, the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, the National Space Research and Development Agency Act 2010, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act. Draws on the UNESCO Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Framework and the AU Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA).