By International Affairs Correspondent
Policymakers, researchers, and innovation leaders gathered in Lagos for the Nigeria–EU Science and Innovation Day, an event that underscored the growing role of scientific collaboration in strengthening relations between Nigeria and the European Union.
Among the attendees was Tufayl Adelakun, a European Union–PLAC Legislative Intern, who presented research titled “Nigeria–EU Relations from 1993–2023.” The presentation formed part of broader discussions on institutional partnerships, research cooperation, and technology-driven development.
The event was hosted at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, drawing participation from representatives of government, academia, private enterprise, and multilateral institutions.
Co-Creation at the Core of Partnership
In his remarks, Gautier Mignot, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that co-creation — rather than one-sided knowledge transfer — defines the EU–Nigeria partnership.
According to Ambassador Mignot, science and innovation are central to addressing shared challenges such as food security, digital connectivity, and climate resilience. He noted that collaborative research initiatives can drive inclusive and sustainable development outcomes across both regions.
Expanding Research and Innovation Cooperation
Nienke Buisman, Director for International Cooperation in Research and Innovation at the European Commission, highlighted Nigeria’s strong participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme.
She noted that Nigerian institutions and enterprises are actively partnering with European universities, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors including artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, fintech innovation, and climate adaptation.
Policy Officer Vincenzo Lorusso also contributed to discussions on strengthening structured cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between Nigeria and the EU.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Global Partnerships
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to internationalizing research and fostering global collaboration.
He identified priority areas for future engagement, including agricultural productivity, food security, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. The coordination of these initiatives, he noted, will be managed through an inter-ministerial framework chaired by Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President.
Platform for Structured Engagement
Participants described the Science and Innovation Day as more than a ceremonial gathering, characterizing it as a matchmaking platform designed to catalyze tangible partnerships. Observers said the event created space for policy dialogue and strengthened networks among researchers, policymakers, and private-sector actors.
As Nigeria and the European Union seek to deepen institutional cooperation, stakeholders at the Lagos forum expressed optimism that structured engagement in science and innovation will translate into measurable progress — reinforcing a partnership built on shared ownership, mutual growth, and long-term collaboration.