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By Daniel Adaji
Lawmakers at the National Assembly have called on research institutions in Nigeria to intensify efforts towards the commercialization of their innovations to drive national development and improve citizens’ lives.
Speaking at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology held in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Abbas, emphasised that research must go beyond the laboratory and deliver real benefits to Nigerians.
“At every opportunity, I offer my full support for the commercialization of our innovations and research. We should not leave our discoveries and advancements in the lab. We must do whatever it takes to bring them to the market,” Abbas said.
He warned that the purpose of innovation is lost if citizens do not benefit.
“If we fail to observe, and our people do not benefit from these efforts—especially when research is commercialized—then the whole purpose is defeated,” he noted.
Abbas also commended the strong turnout of committee members at the event, describing it as unprecedented. “It’s rare to find three or four chairmen in one place, but here we are—because we understand the importance of this institution and this program,” he said.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institute, Dr. Timehin Adelegbe stressed the need for alignment between scientific innovation and national strategic goals.
He said the session provided an opportunity to reflect and reaffirm commitment to progress.
“As leaders, it’s important that we align with the vision of our president—particularly in areas like legislative implementation, technological advancement, and individual policy development. Progress requires structure, commitment, and a shared vision,” Adelegbe said.
He emphasised values such as fairness and integrity, stating that “by investing wisely and acting without desperation, we can build trust through truth, freedom, and fairness.”
On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Engineering, Inuwa Garba, also lent his voice to the call for innovation-led development. “In any country that aims to thrive, innovation and validation are key,” he said.
Garba called on stakeholders to join in the collective efforts to reposition Nigeria’s innovation system. “This is our chance to begin anew, to provide real incentives and structure to the activities within our industry. It’s a valuable opportunity for institutional growth,” he stated.
He also commended the collaborative spirit at the gathering. “We bring energy and focus to industry matters. That is why you see so many of us here today—coming together, collaborating,” Garba added.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Zakariya Zannah said, “Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are not areas we can afford to neglect.”
He emphasised the importance of reducing dependence on oil and using innovation to attract foreign direct investment.
“We must not aim to simply follow others; our goal should be to lead — to become one of the fastest-growing innovation-driven economies in the world,” he said.
Zannah also shared his personal experience with local innovation. “I was among the first people in this country to use local technology for innovation, and I’m proud to say our products are already in the market,” he said.
He called on all levels of government to support research, saying, “We need a revolution in thinking — a shift toward valuing innovation as the cornerstone of national development.”