Nigeria is intensifying discussions with Türkiye on transforming publicly funded research into commercially viable products, as the country seeks to leverage innovation to drive economic growth and industrialisation.
The talks took place in Türkiye on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit this week, according to Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh.
Udeh said on Friday that the government is shifting focus from research conducted solely for academic purposes toward innovation that generates measurable economic and social benefits.
“Türkiye’s achievements in translating research into commercial applications through effective technology transfer and active private-sector involvement provide important lessons for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem,” he noted in a statement released by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
He added that Nigeria is working on a structured, actionable framework to facilitate research-to-market pathways with Türkiye, aiming to convert scientific discoveries into scalable commercial products.
The proposed collaboration will emphasise joint research and development, innovation financing, capacity building, startup incubation, and industrial scale-up, all designed to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation landscape and enhance its global competitiveness.
The minister highlighted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable development.
Udeh described the engagement as a major step in deepening international cooperation in science and technology while positioning Nigeria to harness innovation as a catalyst for industrial growth.
He was accompanied by Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, underscoring the strategic role of space science and technology in the proposed framework. NASRDA is expected to play a central role in driving innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation of research outputs critical to national development.
During the visit to the Innovation and Technology Park in Türkiye, Dr Adepoju highlighted opportunities for tripartite partnerships involving NASRDA, university research hubs, and industry. He pointed out potential collaborations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and software development, aiming to support Nigerian startups in achieving global impact.
According to Adepoju, these sectors present promising avenues for boosting Nigeria’s space enterprise and broader innovation ecosystem while promoting industrial and technological advancement.
