The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology has outlined the committee’s achievements, challenges, and expectations as Nigeria moves through a politically active 2025 and prepares for significant technological shifts in 2026.
Speaking during a media engagement, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to journalists for their work and reflected on the committee’s activities so far. He described 2025 as a year filled with “promises and intense electoral activities,” noting that despite setbacks, Nigeria’s science and technology sector has made remarkable progress.
A major highlight, he said, is the advancement of Nigeria’s satellite project, described as a “game changer” for national security, intelligence gathering, and environmental forecasting. “The president has approved the satellite project for 2025, and we are now waiting for procurement and final setup to launch our own Niger Satellite into space,” he disclosed, emphasizing its transformative potential for the nation.
Another milestone is the work of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), which he described as one of the standout agencies for the year. With a newly amended bill and 59 technology incubation centers established across various states—some hosting two centers—the initiative is expected to take off fully in 2026, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth involvement in technology.
The senator also announced that the Local Raw Materials Development Bill has successfully passed both chambers of the National Assembly. The bill seeks to prohibit the export of raw materials without local processing, a reform expected to stimulate job creation and empower youth and women. “We have passed it in the Senate and the House. It is now with the President for assent. Once signed, it becomes law and will strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base,” he said.
However, the senator noted that 2025 has not been without setbacks, referencing the controversial change in leadership within the Ministry of Science and Technology. He described the situation as part of the “good, the bad, and the ugly,” acknowledging that administrative disruptions affected momentum.
When asked about the major challenge confronting the committee, he was unequivocal: funding.
“Everyone knows the issue of funding in Nigeria. There has been no release of 2024 capital funds, and the 2025 capital budget has not been implemented. This is not just a problem for my committee—it is a national challenge,” he emphasized.
Despite this, he expressed optimism that once funding is released in early 2026, the committee and its agencies will move swiftly. “Projects have been initiated, letters of award issued, and contractors are only waiting for funds. Once money is released, everything will take off, and Nigerians will see the impact immediately.”
On the status of the widely anticipated local raw materials legislation, the senator reiterated that all legislative work has been completed. “We are only waiting for the President’s signature. Once he assents, it becomes a law in Nigeria. That is where we are now,” he confirmed.
He concluded by thanking the media and reaffirming the committee’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s scientific and technological growth despite current financial constraints.
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