By Mercy Gadia Adi
Nigeria stands “on the verge of major scientific breakthroughs,” but chronic funding failures are stalling key national projects from satellite deployment to technology incubation,Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, has warned.
In an exclusive interview with the National Assembly Media Forum in Abuja, Abbas described 2025 as a year of promises for the science and technology sector, noting that despite political and economic headwinds, the committee recorded milestones that could position Nigeria for a major technological shift.
At the forefront of these achievements is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the launch of a new Nigerian satellite.
“This satellite is a game changer when it comes to security and weather forecasts for the country,” Abbas said, revealing that procurement and final preparations are already underway. The project is expected to boost Nigeria’s capacity in surveillance, climate monitoring and national planning.
Beyond satellite development, Abbas said the committee has intensified efforts to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem. He disclosed that the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has now established 59 technology incubation centres across the country, with some states hosting two. Backed by a newly amended bill, the centres are expected to fully commence operations in 2026.
According to him, the initiative will “bring a lot of changes in Nigeria” by nurturing startups, deepening research outputs and creating jobs for young innovators.
Another legislative milestone, he noted, is the Local Raw Materials Development Bill, which has passed both chambers and is now awaiting presidential assent.
“It will generate a lot of employment for our teaming unemployed youth and women,” Abbas said, arguing that the bill’s restrictions on exporting raw materials without processing would boost industrialisation and strengthen local value chains.
But the chairman warned that all these strides risk being eroded by a crippling funding crisis.
“Funding. Everybody knows the issue of funding in Nigeria,” he said bluntly. “No release of 2024 capital funding, and 2025 capital funding is not implemented. It’s a challenge not only for us but for the entire country.”
While several projects have been initiated and letters of award issued, contractors are unable to proceed without capital releases.
“Once there is funding, projects start running and people start seeing the difference,” he said, expressing hope that full implementation could resume by early 2026 “by the special grace of God”.
Abbas also admitted that internal disruptions, including changes in ministerial leadership, slowed progress in 2025. He described the sector’s journey this year as “the good, the bad and the ugly,” but noted that the committee had stayed focused on its legislative and oversight responsibilities.
On the highly anticipated raw material development bill, the chairman reaffirmed that all parliamentary processes had been concluded.
“We have passed the bill in the Senate, and the House has passed it. We’re waiting for the President to sign. That is what we are waiting for,” he said.
Despite setbacks, Abbas was upbeat about the sector’s future.
“We are on the right path in Nigeria,” he insisted, maintaining that with proper funding and presidential assent on key bills, the science and technology sector could witness a transformative leap in 2026.
The chairman’s comments come at a time when stakeholders continue to call for sustained investment in research, innovation and local manufacturing—areas widely considered essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness.