In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global technology landscape, the Federal Government has initiated high-level discussions with the Russian government to explore collaboration in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to enhance global development.

The Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, disclosed this on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter), stating that he welcomed Russian Trade Commissioner Max Petrov to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja for a strategic meeting aimed at leveraging technology for national development.

He described the engagement as an excellent opportunity to convert international diplomacy into concrete technological initiatives that could drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and establish Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation in Africa.

The minister wrote, “Our discussions focused on translating diplomacy into measurable technological outcomes that support economic diversification, job creation, and global competitiveness. We explored collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and robotics, renewable energy technologies, advanced engineering, digital transformation, and smart systems, with a strong emphasis on research, Development and Technology Transfer.”

He mentioned that both nations explored ways to boost digital transformation through smart systems and the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

“We also examined structured partnerships in STEM education, scholarships, academic exchanges and technical training in priority areas such as robotics, drone technologies for agriculture and industrial automation,” Udeh added, emphasising the importance of human capital development alongside technological progress.

The minister further noted that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the commercialisation of innovation are central to these partnerships. Highlighting Russia’s commitment, he revealed that the Federation expressed confidence in Nigeria’s innovation potential and its readiness to move beyond discussions toward practical implementation.

He assured that the Ministry would continue to facilitate joint technical committees, actionable programs, and policy frameworks that support measurable outcomes, an enabling environment, that aims to attract significant technology-driven investments and position the country as a leading centre for innovation on the continent.

Also, the minister affirmed that the partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a technology-powered economy, enhancing competitiveness and creating new avenues for youth employment by combining international expertise with domestic innovation. The initiative ensures that emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and renewable energy directly contribute to sustainable economic development.

However, these efforts are a step toward realising a more diversified and resilient economy, underpinned by advanced research, technology transfer, and skill development, which could position the country not only as a regional technology leader but also as a key player in shaping Africa’s innovation landscape, with tangible benefits for both the workforce and the nation’s long-term economic growth.

The initiative, if successfully implemented have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by accelerating the development of high-tech industries, increasing productivity, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

Also, for young Nigerians, such partnerships could open pathways to highly skilled careers in emerging fields, while also strengthening research and development capacities.

Please follow and like us: