Nigeria is taking concrete steps to commercialise its research outputs by converting them into market-ready products, as part of a broader strategy to drive innovation-led economic growth and expand trade relations with Türkiye.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, disclosed this on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Türkiye, during an interview with ARISE News.
According to Udeh, Nigeria’s decision to deepen collaboration with Türkiye was inspired by the country’s proven success in translating research outcomes into globally competitive products.
“We want to use commercially viable products to solve our national problems, and Türkiye is a nation that has actually become advanced in turning research outcomes into products and marketing them across the world,” the minister said.
He added that both countries have agreed to develop a practical framework to ensure Nigerian research findings are transformed into viable commercial products.
“So, part of the agreement we had today is to design an action plan between Nigeria and Türkiye to support taking research outcomes and turning them into viable products,” Udeh stated.
Beyond research commercialisation, Nigeria is also exploring new frontiers in technology, space research and innovation through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), one of the agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Officials said President Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations while unlocking fresh opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement.
In a post on his verified X handle, the President said the engagement was designed to “create a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye.”
“Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security, and the creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to unlock new flows of capital and deepen Turkish investment in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President further disclosed that nine agreements were exchanged at the conclusion of the meetings, covering defence, education, media, diaspora policy, trade, social development and institutional cooperation between the foreign ministries of both countries.
