By Abubakar Yunusa
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, stated that Nigeria is committed to working closely with international partners to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainable development.
The Minister, who spoke at the 8th UNGA High-Level Side Event on Social Business, Youth, and Technology, highlighted the urgent need for international collaboration to promote sustainable development, climate action, and poverty alleviation.
Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, in a statement sent to Peoples Daily on Monday, said, “Nigeria is committed to working closely with international partners to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainable development.”
Nnaji reiterated Nigeria’s support for Professor Yunus’s “Three Zeros” vision: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to utilizing technology to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment, particularly through the adoption of methanol as a renewable energy source to lower carbon emissions, in line with SDGs 7 and 13.
“Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing access to clean energy is part of a broader strategy to combat climate change while promoting inclusive economic growth,” he stated.
Nnaji also presented Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Roadmap, a 13-year plan aimed at transitioning the nation into a knowledge-based economy by enhancing innovation and developing a skilled workforce.
Highlighting the role of Nigeria’s youth in driving innovation, he cited examples of young entrepreneurs in agriculture, healthcare, and financial services who are harnessing mobile technology and AI to create impactful solutions.
The Minister’s message underscored the necessity of global solutions for global challenges, advocating for technological innovation and youth entrepreneurship as pathways to achieve the SDGs.
He urged the international community to support initiatives aligned with the Three Zeros vision, expressing optimism that collective action could lead to a future of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.
