The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said Nigeria is at the forefront of combining technology, climate finance, and sustainable agriculture to tackle food security challenges.
As the most populous country in Africa with vast agricultural resources, he said Nigeria is taking a proactive role in finding solutions that balance environmental concerns with economic growth.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security in London, Nnaji stressed that the Ministry is dedicated to using science and technology to strengthen the country’s ability to withstand climate change.
He explained that the National Technology and Innovation Policy (NTIP) of 2022 provides a clear direction for leveraging technology to ensure stable food production, reliable energy access, and environmental protection.
According to him, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the government is implementing Executive Order No.5 to coordinate efforts across ministries, ensuring a well-structured approach to policy execution.
He pointed out that one of the Ministry’s agencies, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has introduced innovations such as Tela Maize and Climate Adaptive Cotton, designed to resist drought, pests, and extreme weather conditions while improving agricultural output with minimal environmental harm.
Nigeria is also pushing forward with digital agriculture, solar-powered irrigation, and bioenergy solutions to transform farming communities.
Nnaji revealed plans for an Integrated Biodigester Network, which will generate two million cubic metres of biogas and fifty tonnes of organic fertiliser annually, cutting carbon emissions and providing clean energy for thousands of homes.
