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  • Nnaji certificate saga and the need to respect institutions

    Nnaji certificate saga and the need to respect institutions

    • By Johnson Okolo

    Nigerians began the week on the note of a sizzling report by an online newspaper, Premium Times. The report centred around allegations that our own very Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Techonology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, forged his university degree as well as National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificates.

    The reaction was instantaneous just as it was predictable. Outrage. And this was understable. Ever since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, quite a number of high profile office holders have been caught in the web of one form of certificate forgery scandal or another.

    The distastful trend began in 1999 with two top principal officers of the National Assembly- Senate President Evan(s) Enwerem and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari. While Salisu Buhari falsely claimed he attended the University of Toronto, Canada, senators- and indeed, Nigerians – couldn’t tell with certainty if their Senate President was Evan or Evans Enwerem.

    Ever since Evan or Evans Enwerem and Salisu Buhari, the issue of certificate forgeries has, like wild fire, caught up with members of the executive arm. For instance, Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is governor of Bayelsa State today simply because of the discrepancies in the name of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the state, Senator Degi-Eremienyo. This was in February 2020.

    Five years earlier, Minister of Finsnce, Mrs Kemi Adeosun resigned her appointment following a scandal concerning the alleged forgery of her NYSC certificate. Ms. Adeosun had been invited by President Muhammadu Buhari to return from her base in the United Kingdom to join his government. It ended in disgrace.

    Instances abound of several other high profile Nigerians who have been enmeshed in forged certficate scandals. This naturally raises the question of if after 65 years of Independence, Nigeria has no institutions to block such embarrassment.

    Enter the State Security Service (SSS) sometimes called Department of State Services (DSS).

    As far as the SSS Act is concerned, the Service is responsible for the internal security of Nigeria, VIP protection, and vetting of nominees for top positions. The SSS is also empowered to place persons of interest on watchlist- in addition to protecting the President from embarrassment (as in the cases of Salisu Buhari, Evan(s) Enwerem, Kemi Adeosun and now, Uche Nnaji) among other duties. Without mincing words, it is, safe to say that the SSS is a key institution of the Nigerian State.

    In her book, “Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom,”

    Condoleezza Rice, former national security adviser and secretary of state under President George W. Bush, believes that that institutions provide the bedrock for any successful democracy.

    In other words, weak institutions weaken democracy. Conversely, one of the ways to weaken democracy is to first weaken her institutions.

    One example that readily comes to mind on how we weaken an institution is the 2016 nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC Act states that a nominee for the office of the EFCC chairman shall be screened by the Senate.

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    Even though it is the President that apoints the SSS DG, the secret police wasn’t comfortable that the president chose Magu. And the secret police didn’t hide their disapproval of Mr. President’s nominee.

    In a letter dated October 3, 2016, to the Clerk of the Senate, the SSS told the senators that Magu was not fit to hold the position of EFCC chairman.

    The secret police listed several alleged malpractices against the EFCC boss, saying his confirmation would frustrate the anti-graft drive of the administration then.

    Part of the allegations against Magu was his being in possession of EFCC documents in his private residence during the chairmanship of Farida Waziri.

    The DSS also made reference to the circumstances surrounding Magu’s arrest, detention and suspension by the Nigeria Police.

    In addition, the secret service alleged that the sum of N40m was paid for the rented apartment, which costs N20m per annum, where Magu lived.

    DSS added that Magu’s accommodation was not paid for from the commission’s account but by a presidential appointee, who had been under investigation. The DSS alleged that after renting the apartment for Magu, the friend awarded a N43 million contract for the furnishing of the accommodation.

    The only consequence of the DSS report was that each time he faced the senators, they failed to clear him. Even at that, the President then snubbed the lawmakers and kept Magu as acting EFCC chairman for close to five years.

    Thus, Magu became the poster boy of the futility of security reports and Senate screening when political leaders and policy makers choose to weaken our institutions.

    While it is convenient to talk about Magu, perhaps mention should be made of our lawyers, especially those who aspire to make it to the peak of the bar, called Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Oftentimes referred to as Learned Silk, to demonstrate the highest esteem to which they are held, these senior lawyers recently grabbed the headlines when they opposed the screening of their colleagues shortlisted for this coveted rank by the DSS.

    A former Nigerian Bar Association General Secretary, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, himself a SAN, described the security vetting as an attack on the independence of the legal profession. Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu was one of the few voices that supported the DSS.

    Odinkalu,who expressed surprise at Akinboro’s opposition, said the rule was introduced in 2022 by then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, and had been applied to SAN conferments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 without protest.

    “These people are short of candour. The rules requiring screening of SAN candidates by DSS were made by Olukayode Ariwoola in 2022. They governed SAN conferment in 2022, ’23 & ’24,” noted Odinkalu.

    It has since emerged from the grapevine on the outcome of the DSS screening, that some of the nominees for the award of SAN are not fit and proper. Even with this DSS report, the same tainted nominees still managed to wangle their way to the swearing-in. They are now addressed as “learned silks!” Won’t be surprised if these SANs aren’t among those blaming the Senate and the DSS for “not doing a thorough job!”

    Now, to our own Minister Uche Nnaji. He resigned during the week. I’ve read and heard many people blame the Senate and the DSS for the lapses that made it possible to swear in Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Having set a dangerous precedent with Magu and many more that aren’t known, how are we sure the powers that be even allowed Nnaji to subject himself to the rigours of screening by the DSS? How are we sure he, in the name of security vetting, even stepped foot within the four walls of the SSS national headquarters in Abuja?

    The truth remains that over time, we failed to address the question of interference with institutions. Why should some governors, for instance, have the wherewithal to demand the deployment or removal of Police Commissioners to or from their states?

    Crying ourselves out won’t address the problem. We have to begin to address the issues that contribute to weakening our institutions. Without that, scandals like Nnaji’s will continue to dog our political trajectory and national life. It is hightine we rolled our sleeves to make out institutions strong. This, as Condoleezza Rice rightly noted,  will provide the bedrock for our successful democracy.

    •Okolo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Umuahia

  • Onoh absolves DSS of blame in Nnaji’s alleged certificate scandal

    Onoh absolves DSS of blame in Nnaji’s alleged certificate scandal

    The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Denge. Josef Onoh, has exonerated the Department for State Services (DSS) of any blame on the screening of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

    Onoh, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said that the act of consistently asking nominees for public office to go for DSS screening is wrong and total abuse of the functions of the organization which he said should be stopped immediately.

    He advocated that Nigeria should step up to a globally accepted practice and grow beyond the third world country practices.

    ” Involving the DSS was a practice by the military junta because the Constitution was suspended. Hence, the unconstitutional act became normalised and continued by the democratic government.

    “It is not the constitutional duty of the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) to screen the educational qualifications of a president’s nominee for public office,” Onoh maintained.

    He stressed that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) does not assign such responsibility to the DSS but outlines distinct roles such that the President nominates individuals for offices like ministers (under Sections 147 and 154), and the Senate conducts the formal screening and confirmation process to assess suitability, including qualifications.

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    “Educational credentials for such nominees are typically verified by the issuing institutions (e.g universities) or through Senate inquiries during hearings, not by the DSS.”

    Referring to the Constitutional Framework, said that the DSS’s Mandate is established under the National Security Agencies Act (Cap N74 LFN 2004).

    “The DSS’s core functions focus on internal security, counterintelligence, and protecting senior officials such as preventing crimes threatening national security. The Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly detail DSS duties but embeds them within broader executive powers (Section 5). It does not include vetting educational qualifications as a statutory obligation.”

    Onoh said that the Nominee Screening Process under Section 147(2) requires Senate confirmation for ministerial nominees within 21 days, emphasizing the legislature’s role in evaluating fitness.

    “The Senate Rules (Order 44) guide this, often involving CV reviews, asset declarations (per Section 149), and public hearings where qualifications like degrees or NYSC certificates are probed. Past controversies (e.g., allegations against nominees like Kemi Adeosun or Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo) were handled via Senate scrutiny and institutional verifications, not DSS-led probes.”

    He maintained that the role of the DSS in educational screening of public office nominees is an act that’s Practice vs. the Constitution because in practice, the executive (via the President’s office) often requests informal security clearances from the DSS for nominees, which may incidentally touch on credentials if they raise security red flags such as forgery linked to fraud.

    “Examples include the DSS clearances for 2024 ministerial nominees like Bianca Ojukwu, signaling no security objections before Senate screening. Historical cases, such as the 2015 Buhari administration, sending lists to DSS for preliminary checks. However, these are administrative conveniences, not constitutional imperatives.”

    Onoh gave instances on DSS involvement in non-security screenings like Senior Advocate of Nigeria elevations. He said that such expansions exceed the DSS’s statutory scope under the NSA Act, potentially violating ultra vires principles. The Constitution prioritizes Senate oversight to prevent executive overreach.

    “If a nominee’s educational qualifications are in doubt, the Senate can demand direct evidence from bodies like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or universities, as seen in the 2023 Tinubu cabinet screenings where three nominees faced delays over certificate verifications.

    “Even the US Secret Service does not screen educational qualifications of a President’s nominees for public office. Its primary role is protective and investigative, focusing on the safety of the president, vice president, candidates, and other designated individuals under 18 U.S.C. § 3056, as well as financial crimes like counterfeiting.

    “Background checks for nominees are handled by other agencies, such as the FBI, and educational verification is typically done by the nominating president’s White House staff, the Office of Presidential Personnel, or Senate confirmation committees.
    For instance, the Secret Service’s background investigations apply to its own applicants (e.g., for special agent roles, which include education reviews for hiring qualifications), but not to public office nominees. Nominees undergo separate vetting through the Senate’s confirmation process, where educational credentials are examined as part of ethics and qualification reviews, but this is unrelated to the Secret Service.

    “Nigeria can never progress as a country if all organs of government continue to place wrong procedural acts that undermine the constitution,” Onoh concluded.

  • Why Tinubu should consider nominating a Minister from Nsukka zone to replace Nnaji

    Why Tinubu should consider nominating a Minister from Nsukka zone to replace Nnaji

    • By Ike Jonathan-Ezema

    As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to consolidate his political base and strengthen his administration’s national appeal, strategic inclusivity remains essential for deepening his support across all regions of Nigeria.

    One critical region that deserves presidential attention in this regard is the Nsukka Zone of Enugu State, a region with about 60 percent of the state voting population that has not produced a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.

    Nsukka zone is also the host of University of Nigeria with a huge student and staff population.

    Replacing Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji from Enugu East Senatorial District who resigned as a Minister following the allegations of certificate forgery, with someone from Nsukka Zone in Enugu North Senatorial District would change the 2027 voting dynamics in favour of President Tinubu.

    The two minority Senatorial Districts in Enugu State (Enugu East and Enugu West Senatorial Districts) have been rotating the Ministerial slots of the state to themselves since 1999 to date, leaving out the zone whose voting strength outwaigh votes from the two senatorial districts put together.

    Here is a compiled chronological list of Nigerians from Enugu State who have served as federal ministers since 1999, with each person’s ministerial portfolio(s), years in office and source citations.

    Ministers from Enugu State (1999 — 2025):

    Dubem (Gideon) Onyia
    Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of State, Foreign Affairs 1999–2003

    Frank Nweke Jr.;
    Enugu East Senatorial District :
    Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs & Special Duties; Information & National Orientation; Information & Communications)
    2003–2007 (various portfolios)

    Fidelia Akuabata Njeze;
    Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of State (Defence); Minister of State (Agriculture & Water Resources); Minister of Aviation (full minister) 2007–2011 (moved between roles; Aviation 2010–2011)

    Bartholomew (Barth) Nnaji; Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of Power July 2011 – Aug 2012

    Prof. Ositadimma (Osita) Nebo;
    Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Power Feb 2013-2015.

    Geoffrey Onyeama;
    Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Foreign Affairs 2015 – 2023

    Uche (Geoffrey) Nnaji;
    Enugu East Senatorial District:
    Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology (Minister) — resigned Oct 2025 Aug 16, 2023 – Oct 2025 (resigned Oct 7–8, 2025).

    This anomaly and injustice if corrected by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, will pose a great goodwill for him in the next 2027 presidential election in the zone thereby making him to enjoy an overwhelming 60 percent of the total vote cast in Enugu State.

    Nsukka Zone; The Political Stronghold of Enugu State:

    The Nsukka Zone (Enugu North Senatorial District), comprising key local government areas such as Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani, with a sister Isi Uzo Local Government Area carved into Enugu East senatorial district, holds the highest voting population in Enugu State.

    It has long been the political nerve center of the Enugu North Senatorial District and a strategic determinant of electoral outcomes in the state. By nominating a minister from this zone, President Tinubu would be acknowledging a region that will not only show confidence in his candidacy but also has the political weight to influence the broader Southeast electorate.

    Strengthening Political Partnership:

    Politics thrives on reciprocity. The Nsukka Zone’s increasing dominance in the APC, despite being in a traditionally opposition-dominated region, demonstrates political courage and loyalty. Rewarding such commitment with a ministerial position would send a clear message that President Tinubu values loyalty, fairness, and regional balance. This move would further energize APC supporters in Enugu State and attract undecided voters across the Southeast ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Balancing Regional Representation and National Integration:

    In line with the federal character principle, equitable representation from all parts of the federation enhances national unity. The Southeast region, though still building a stronger presence in the APC, deserves inclusive participation at the highest level of governance. A ministerial appointment from the Nsukka Zone would not only balance the power equation in Enugu State but also promote inclusivity and give the people of the zone a sense of belonging in the Tinubu administration.

    Economic and Developmental Justification:

    The Nsukka Zone has vast agricultural potential, abundant human capital, and a growing youth population yearning for federal presence and economic opportunities. With the right ministerial representation, the zone could serve as a launchpad for federal agricultural initiatives, educational reform, and infrastructural development in the Southeast. Such visible impact would translate into greater political goodwill for President Tinubu’s government.

    Strategic Political Gains Ahead of 2027:

    Looking toward the 2027 presidential election, appointing a minister from Nsukka would be a masterstroke for consolidating APC’s foothold in Enugu and the wider Southeast. It would demonstrate that Tinubu’s government rewards and strengthens alliances, and builds trust beyond partisan lines.

    Conclusion

    President Tinubu’s administration stands at a pivotal point where strategic political decisions can define its long-term success. Recognizing and empowering the Nsukka Zone through a ministerial appointment would not strengthen alliances but also broaden the APC’s appeal in the Southeast.

    It is a move that aligns with the President’s vision of inclusivity, equity, and national unity— and one that would significantly strengthen his victory prospects in Enugu State come 2027.

  • Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

    Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

    Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said the decision to resign from office was a personal and principled choice aimed at preserving the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings, not an admission of guilt.

    In a statement, Nnaji said he chose to “step aside” to respect the sanctity of due process and allow justice to take its course.

    “My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice  not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said.

    The former Minister lamented what he described as an orchestrated, politically motivated campaign of falsehood targeted at his person and office over the past week. 

    READ ALSO: Nnaji’s resignation: Onoh urges Gov Mbah to join APC

    He said the malicious attacks and media distortions had caused personal distress and begun to distract from the work of the Ministry and the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration,” he stated.

    Nnaji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President’s vision of a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”

    “His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals,” he added.

  • More controversy over  Nnaji’s alleged  certificate forgery

    More controversy over  Nnaji’s alleged  certificate forgery

    The controversy over alleged certificate forgery by Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey  Nnaji, raged yesterday with the minister and his lawyer insisting that he graduated from the University of Nigeria(UNN), Nsukka, Enugu State 

    While Nnaji told reporters in Abuja that his name was duly captured in UNN’s convocation brochure as part of the 1985 graduating class, his lawyer, Sebastian Hon,   accused an online newspaper that made the allegation of scandalising his client by ignoring court orders.

      Robert Ngwu, an aide of the minister, spoke for him at a news conference in Abuja. Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), carpeted the online publication at a Federal High Court(FHC) also in Abuja. 

    Nnaji had, in September, sought an order of mandamus from the court compelling UNN  and its officials to release his academic records to him.

    He also asked the court to order the Minister of Education, Morufu Alausa and the National University Commission (NUC) to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to release his transcript.

    Besides, the Education minister and NUC, others listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 are the  UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya;  the  Registrar, a former acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguenjiofor Ujam and the Senate of the university.

    On   September 22, Judge H.J. Yilwa granted some of the minister’s prayers but did not issue any injunctive order against the defendants. She adjourned to  October 6 (yesterday) for further hearing.

    The matter was, however, stalled due to the inability of the lawyer to the UNN and its officers to file their responses.

    I graduated from UNN in 1985, says Minister 

    At the news conference where his aide made available via WhatsApp, two pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure, Nnaji is listed as number five on one page. His picture is number 17 on the second page.

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    But Ngwu did not say why his boss did not go for his certificate 40 years after graduation.  

    He said the minister is a proud UNN alumnus who obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division. 

    Describing the controversy as a case of political desperation disguised as academic inquiry, Ngwu said, apart from the  1985 convocation brochure, the university’s registry confirmed that Nnaji’s academic history was not in doubt.

    According to him,  the only valid and authentic communication issued by the university regarding the minister’s academic record is a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr Celine   Nnebedum.

    According to him, the  letter  explicitly confirmed that ‘’Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.’’

    “This remains the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid,” he emphasised.

    Ngwu expressed shock that nearly two years after the university’s official confirmation, another letter emerged in May 2025, purportedly denying the existence of the minister’s records.

    He questioned the timing and motive of the new claim, noting that it coincided with the emergence of two card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice-Chancellor and later substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

    “The question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask is: what changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change in leadership at the University? Ngwu asked.

    The minister’s aide explained that alleged attempts within the university to tamper with the academic file of his boss necessitated the suit at the  FHC.

    He said that on  September 22, 2025, the court not only issued protective orders restraining UNN management from altering the minister’s records but mandated it to immediately release his academic transcript.  

     “These are not speculative claims.  They are certified orders of the Federal High Court, which should have settled the matter once and for all,” Ngwu added.

    He lamented that instead of complying with the court’s directives, the Vice-Chancellor, who is a lawyer by training, allegedly resorted to cyber-bullying and politically-motivated media campaigns against the minister.

    Ngwu alleged that the controversy was fuelled by a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of a reputable public servant for political gain.

    He blamed a governor, whose name he did not give,  of being behind the  saga

    The governor, according to him,  wants to remove his boss as the APC leader in the state to enhance his (governor ) second-term ambition.

    His words: “It is no coincidence that the so-called exposés are being driven by partisan actors and amplified by certain media outlets like Premium Times.

    “This is a deliberate campaign to weaponise institutions and discredit a serving minister committed to national innovation and development.

     “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity-it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry.

    ‘’The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.

    “UNN must uphold its proud motto of restoring the dignity of man. It must regain its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.

    ‘’This is not about one man’s record-it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.

    “The minister will not be distracted by falsehoods or propaganda.  He will continue to serve with integrity, dedication and focus.”

    Judge adjourns minister’s suit  till Nov.10

    During yesterday’s proceedings, Nnaji’s lawyer,  Hon,   told the court that all the parties in the suit had been served with the necessary court documents.

  • Nnaji: let’s prioritise Nigeria-made goods

    Nnaji: let’s prioritise Nigeria-made goods

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has urged the people to prioritise Nigerian goods, ‘’as they meet high standard and contribute to the economy.’’

    He spoke at a training for youths and women on Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi-(FIIRO)-developed technologies, in Abuja.

    The training is to upskill  in youths and women  in FIIRO’s developed technologies, including cassava and potato bread production, mushroom cultivation, cosmetics, date syrup manufacturing and conversion of diesel generators to compressed natural gas.

    The minister said: “The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is committed to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological base, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, which includes fighting poverty, driving economic growth and fostering job creation.

    ‘‘Through strategic initiatives, we leverage science, technology and innovation (STI) to tackle poverty, create jobs and boost economic resilience. Transforming our research, development and innovation into market-ready products is essential for growth and long-term sustainability.

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    ‘‘Programmes as this bridge the gap from research to market, generating foreign exchange and creating jobs.

    “They enable commercialisation of research and development products, which aligns with our goals of strengthening the naira and diversifying the economy. FIIRO’s technologies support our youths and women by providing them with skills to create businesses, develop self-sufficiency and contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.

    “To meet our goals, our ministry  established strategic partnerships, signing MoUs to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources. By working with regional agencies, we utilise our resources to drive innovation in the geopolitical zones. Our technology and innovation centres serve as hubs where stakeholders in the STI ecosystem come together to enhance R&D applications and foster innovation, supporting the movement towards industrial and economic strength, as envisioned in the President’s eight-point agenda.

    “I encourage our trainees to approach this with dedication, forming innovation clusters to promote Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy. We will support you in establishing small businesses, fulfilling our commitment to the President’s agenda of economic empowerment.”

  • Monitoring activities, performance of energy sector should be prioritised, says Nnaji

    Monitoring activities, performance of energy sector should be prioritised, says Nnaji

    The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said monitoring the activities and performance of the energy sector in the implementation of the federal government’s policies should be prioritised.

    This, he said, would open additional investment initiatives under Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and make bondholders, beneficiaries, suppliers, manufacturers and a host of other value chain activities generate enormous investment opportunities.

    Nnaji stated this yesterday during the unveiling of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) gazette on national energy policies and national energy master plan for strategic planning and coordination of its policies.

     He said that the steps taken by the commission would enhance recognition at the international level while facilitating cooperation and alignment with international standards.

    While calling on stakeholders to adhere to the processes and policies in the document, he said the policy direction of government is now possessive and transparent to all stakeholders, engendering accountability in government actions and decisions.

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     “This no doubt opens additional investment initiatives under Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, where the bondholders, beneficiaries, suppliers, manufacturers and a host of other value chain activities generate enormous investment opportunities.

     “Another very significant achievement of these processes is, that it also provides stability and consistency framework in the decision making and planning processes, both within government and other stakeholders”, he said.

     In her remarks, the special adviser to the president on energy, Olu Verheijen, said the gazette on national energy policies and national energy masterplan for strategic planning and coordination requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including public and private sectors, civil societies, and the international communities.

    Verheijen, who unveiled the gazette said the process was to ensure reliable and affordable energy access for all Nigerians.

    Earlier, the director-general of the ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the document has also highlighted the best way of efficiently using our energy that will help save instead of just concentrating on generation alone.

    This, he said, would help the masses, stakeholders, and investors to invest in energy and would also advise the nation on the best source of energy to use.

    “If we must guarantee energy security, then we must diversify so we are saying that we have so many sources of energy that are yet untapped and this document also gives the roadmap to solar, renewable energy.

     “We also made observations and realised that it is not the degeneration of energy that is really the issue but conservation and utilisation”, he said.

  • Nnaji: science park, museum will enhance growth

    Nnaji: science park, museum will enhance growth

    Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said the ministry will develop infrastructure, particularly Science Park and Museum, through private-public partnership (PPP)to enhance socio-economic growth and increase revenue.

    Nnaji spoke in Abuja when he hosted a delegation from Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), led by Director-Gen, Michael Ohiani.

    The minister, represented by permanent secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye, noted that the ministry’s collaboration with ICRC, initiated in 2015 to secure more funding for research and development has boosted the ministry’s commercialisation efforts.

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     Nnaji said the ministry was putting this together so it could be a tourist attraction to foreigners on a visit.

    “We want to put these things together so people can visit so we can generate revenue, we go out there, we convert our naira into dollars so we can access places, we too can do so by making visitors change dollars into naira to boost our revenue. We are committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda to make this work

     The minister affirmed the ministry’s dedication to establishing a Science Park and Museum to fulfil the administration’s focus on job creation and poverty alleviation.

    Ohiani called on agencies to embrace PPP and strengthen their ties for faster execution of the project.

    He urged the ministry to nominate personnel to attend the PPP capacity building programme of the institute

    The director general highlighted the President B’s commitment to enhancing lives of Nigerians through economic cooperation, social cohesion and cultural understanding.

  • Nnaji: govt keen on sustainable industrialisation

    Nnaji: govt keen on sustainable industrialisation

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said Federal Government is committed to ensuring sustainable industrialisation through establishment of tech cities.

    He spoke at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between  Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and Domineum/Edenbase Consortium, United Kingdom for establishment of Abuja Tech City.

    He said: “We are aware tech cities are  catalysts for rapid industrialisation in a country and enhancement of operational synergy in critical sectors.

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    “The Abuja Tech City Ecosystem will be developed by the same consortia that developed London Tech City Ecosystem. It is important to note London Tech City is the second most valuable Tech Ecosystem on earth after Silicon Valley. It earned £61 billon in its fifth year of operation and is home to over 5,000 companies. We intend to create success in Nigeria.

    “It is our intention Abuja Tech City will be a full-blown Smart and Green City complete with tech-driven start-ups, industries, entertainment, schools, parks, etc. The Tech City will be a Free Trade Zone and home to MIST’s Agenda 8 and 9, which include Clean Tech Programme and Green Manufacturing Initiative.”

    Representative of Domineum, Geoffrey Weli-Wosu and Edenbase Consortium, Satesh Melwani, said they were delighted to be part of Abuja Tech City project, saying their companies can pull resources to establish Abuja Tech City as the largest and most valuable in Africa.

  • Nnaji unveils reason for mandatory pre-approval fund clearance in ministry

    Nnaji unveils reason for mandatory pre-approval fund clearance in ministry

    The Minister of Science, innovation, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has announced a new directive that requires thorough clearance from his office before the approval of funds for projects within the ministry.

    He said decisions must align with the administration of President Tinubu’s goals of optimizing resources for projects that deliver tangible outcomes.

    Nnaji emphasized that the ministry’s purpose is centred on innovation, not mere adherence to routines.

    He said this on Tuesday, August 22, in Abuja at his official meeting with the directors of the ministry on the new approach and expectations for the ministry.

    He said: “Let us be result-oriented, proactive, and enthusiastic. Our leadership in innovation will contribute to the prosperity of our great nation.

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    “Immediate approval of funds will require clearance from the Minister’s Office. Decisions must align with our goals, optimizing resources for projects that deliver tangible outcomes.

    “Strong collaboration between the Ministry and Agencies is vital. Let’s unite and work together for shared objectives through effective communication.

    “We are here to innovate, not to merely follow routines. Our swift and inventive actions will define us as a ministry driven by innovation. Meetings with Directors and heads of agencies will swiftly clarify our shared objectives, thereby guiding our strategic action plans.”