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RDI 3 Days Summit: Research is our greatest Asset And We can generate over 10 Trillion Revenue In Nigeria, Says stakeholders
At the end of a 3- days summit coordinated by Research for Impact, Knowledge-Economy, and Sustainable Development (RIKE-SD), in partnership with the West and Central Africa Research and Education Network (WACREN) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Abuja on Wednesday, 27th of March, 2024, the discussions centred around the pivotal role of research, development, and innovation in driving economic growth and prosperity.
The Chairperson Commission of Nigerians in Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, she highlighted the importance of our human and knowledge-based resources as our Nigerian greatest assets we can proud of. To be rated above, oil is our global knowledge-based resource rooted in research and innovations. The Diaspora chairman stressed the need for effective development to grow any Nation worldwide. She stated her Ministry had embarked on a series of projects that could enhance the results of RDI, transforming our country’s competitiveness worldwide.
We have over 17 million Nigerians in Diasporas, many of whom are doing well in their chosen fields.
Dr Popoola Mustapha, the Director of RIKE SD, Research Innovation and Knowledge Education and Sustainable Development (RIKE SD), added that the 3-day Summit has generated working groups that would be reconstituted as the national research Think-Tank. The Think Tank would be looking at the Agendas of Mr President; we have 8 groups that would later go into evidence theses to come out with solutions to the problems identified in this Summit. With our Pentagonal Nexus, we would work with five actors in typical RDI systems. The Academia, Industry and Government are to start with. Now, with our plans, we are incorporating the Funders because we don’t want to start looking for Funds after planning. As we plan, they are on the table. We would make it demand-driven and be sure we have the end-users, who are the people in mind.
Results to be achieved in these efforts would form parts of 8 points achievements in office. We need a driven committee not appointed but selected based on performance. Institutionalising these platforms for state and national actors to build sustainability. On Monday, we had the presence of the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology and The Chairman of the Commission of Nigerians in Diasporas; such presence was symbolic; after pro-creation in Nigeria, we are targeting other African nations. Over 17 million Nigerians in Diasporas, many of whom work in research and development fields; when unleashed potential, we would have over 10 Trillion in new Revenue in Nigeria in terms of new Knowledge. Many of these people hold critical roles in their chosen fields of innovation globally, so they would be glad to partner with this platform. They were well-funded abroad and were looking for an opportunity to partner with Nigeria. With us is a journey and Marathon because we will be accelerating processes. In the coming days, we will move to the following levels, presenting outcomes to the President and state governors and discussing how we can tap into outcomes.
The core institutions involved, the federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Health and others, will form a committee to drive the Summit outcome to develop the Nation. Institutions to drive the policies include the Nigerian Institute of Strategy; we have only 25 Agencies represented here and a one-day session scheduled for private sector drivers in the Nation. We are not closing borders; the platform is open for other sectors’ partnerships to fulfil our aims. One thing we have done differently is have a Think-Tank committee for the first time to tackle issues in line with President Tinubu’s mandate. The Think Tank committee would help the President provide solutions to several problems. We will also co-create solutions with Diasporas to engage and tackle challenges headlong.
Professor Sulaimon Elias Bogoro,Prof.Animal science and former Executive Secretary, TETFUND, at the Summit, Affirmed the roles of TETFUND in support of Educational Research in Nigeria, which, in other words, generated needed results in innovations and advancement. He said Nigeria’s research activities have been recognised by the African research field as number 6th. At the same time, it stands number one in the country due to our levels of integrity and structures. TETFUND has partnered with other ministries, such as MOU with the Ministry of Science and Technology. Cutting-edge innovations have been achieved via this partnership.
With 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora, we need Data to use research and development to harness growth. What we want to do with all we have learnt at this Summit will determine the outputs of our activities here. There are lots of young people globally who are using cutting-edge innovations from our country. He stresses the essentials of the department in technology in research transfer innovation. He said we will have a research and development department at the University of Ibadan dealing with innovators in Diasporas.
In confirmations of institutions in the country that had received Grants in research, he mentioned Landmark and Redeemers University as significant institutions of Research Grants, but many still need to learn. In efforts to earn support for research innovations, he cited when he visited the Minister of Health residence for close to 2 hours of discussions on research and development in health sectors and looking forward to partnering with the Ministry to boost health innovations.
The Professor of Animal Science responded to Journalists’ questions on why there had been dwindled interest in research activities that it was because it’s not an activity you embarked on that guarantees you immediate results; you can start a little research and end up spending like 500 Dollars, so most people are not encouraged to do stuff like that. But we need to start somewhere; we are all aware that every Nation making so much progress breaks out from a resources-based to a knowledge-based economy. RDI is essential to the growth of any economy.
Those in the medical industry would understand that research is critical. Those with herbs had collaborated with researchers to fine-tune their activities. A few days ago, I heard someone mention bringing Innovation to Ado Bayero University (ABU) Zaria, which is a Chikabrown country breed, and that is a great innovation. However, we are so disappointed that there is no funding for the project. At FUNAAB University, they have FUNAAB-Alpha, an entirely new breed, sometimes non-scientific and very loud; when some say everything about GMB is wrong, I say no. Does it mean cross-breeding is wrong? Cause it’s also cross-breeding. In the content of effecting a change, In the Gene content of any Animal or plant, that is innovation, as it were. The lowest level is cross-breeding; at lower levels, we have animals that are F1 and are doing well. I want to confirm that significant innovations have gone out there. Still, the biggest challenge is our inability to recognise our intellectual properties and place them where they belong. Many brilliant scientists were also not rewarded for their innovative ideas beyond the laboratory. By increasing Research Grants, we would have great intentions. Most of the time, you hear many university lecturers discussing how to receive the next salary to feed their families because their salaries are not enough to cater for them. Nigerian professors’ salaries are equivalent to 300 dollars, while South Africa’s is 3000 dollars. These are issues that distract people; if we encourage, support and fund our Best and link with Industries in how we are recognised, things will improve.
You don’t rely on foreign nations’ results because they might not be willing to sell or share with you due to economic and political policies. Then it would be best if you did thorough research yourself. You are not independent of your needs until you can produce it yourself. It’s vital to know that this Summit is, therefore, seen promptly; hence, the 8-point Renew agenda of Mr President aligns with the Summit. When Mr President was inducted as Patron of the National Science Academy, he stated that every government policy and project would be subjected to scientific evaluations. Then, we can be sure that the outcome will last for the Nation.
AVM Jomo Osahon,Former Director General of the Defence Research Production Bureau, added his voice that there are many Military innovative activities that go unnoticed by the populace. He cited Instances of Lake Chad water that keep going down speedily, so people cannot navigate effectively on the water.
We met and discussed that we needed not just a flat boat but a unique boat that could go through marshy, mud or even shallow water, and I was tasked by the Air Chief Defence Staff to develop an Airboat innovation. It has been there, but the one we have is a unique one that would provide some level of protection for our soldiers and would also be a firepower that has never existed. We could design a boat in partnership with a company in Port-Harcourt to produce a prototype. The former President Buhari was excited to see it and commissioned us to produce 10 more. Let me tell you something unique that happened. At a military conference, some nations supporting us in the battle against insurgencies told us they learnt our Research and development department had produced an Airboat; they requested 100 pieces of them, or else they wouldn’t support us in battle anymore. This request falls on when the former President asked us to produce more. He asked for the time frame for production, and we told him soon; he approved and mobilised us with 50 per cent of the funds requested. So, innovations are happening in the country. Some of us must have heard of some aircraft bought by former president Goodluck Jonathan; those planes were not weaponised; we reached out to Germany, and those planes were Alfa jets, built by Germany and France. They requested 40 million Dollars for women’s evaluation alone. Some say it’s not possible to be weaponised. I travelled to Kainji with some of my engineering team and came up with the idea that we could do it. We developed a kind of Schematic drawing and computerised it so that when a particular bottom is pressed, you can imagine what the final outcome would be; we made a presentation to Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, who’s passionate about research and development in the Military, who he was so impressed and gave us go ahead. We bring the product out and comment somewhere like, this man, you have been given Vice Marshall already; what are you still looking for? Do you want to become the Chief or what?
The Germans said it was impossible, but you and your team have done it. As soon as we were mobilised, we had to come up with many models. They were tested and commissioned with only 5 Million Naira to weaponise the 4 Aircraft. Those Alfa-Jets are still flying today.
There are lots of scientific innovations going on and being achieved in the Military; it’s just that we don’t publish them due to policies.
The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies and installers from collecting any form of payment for meters, warning that DisCo officials and installers found extorting customers will be prosecuted.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
Adelabu said the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and must be installed for consumers free of charge, stressing that any demand for money would be treated as an offence.
Adelabu, who was received into the Apapa Port Command of the Nigerian Customs Service by Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed happiness over the importation of another tranche of 500,000 smart meters under DISREP.
He said the meters would be given to all electricity customers, regardless of their band. “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime.
It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.
“The main objective of coming here today is to carry out a physical on-site inspection of shipments of smart meters that the Federal Government has imported under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. This programme is supporting the Federal Government to import a total of about 3.4 million meters in two batches; the first batch is 1.43 million meters, out of which we have received close to about a million meters. Currently, almost 150,000 meters have already been installed across all distribution companies in the country.
“And what we have today is close to 500,000 meters that we just received. They are all smart meters, and I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun,” Adelabu said, even as he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of metering.
Adelabu was optimistic that in a couple of years, every household, business, and institution would be fully metered so that billings and collections in the power sector would become more transparent, fair, and just. He added that it would also improve the readiness of electricity consumers to pay their bills, leading to improved liquidity in the sector.
“I’m quite excited and elated with what’s happening because it’s unprecedented. This is the first time in the history of this country that a government will be importing and locally buying this number of meters to ensure that the power sector is completely transformed. This is like walking the talk. Our target reform in the sector is not just verbal. Nigerians can see that this is real; it’s not just a promise of the tongue.
“We said it is free. We are not saying this behind closed doors. We are telling Nigerians that the distribution and installation of these meters in every location is free of charge, and it is declared an offence—an illegality—for any DisCo official or installer to request money from the beneficiaries of these meters. We will track and monitor this installation. We also await tip-offs. We have the regulatory commission (NERC), which has offices in some of these locations, and the state regulatory authorities also have offices in each state.
“We are going to open a customer complaint desk whereby, if you notice any such requests for illegal money, you report it, and the authorities will follow up. We are not leaving the installation to the DisCos alone; we’re also creating an interface between the installers and consumers to accelerate the pace of installation. We have some issues with the data and addresses of unmetered customers. We are working hand-in-hand with the DisCos to ensure clean data so that we can accelerate installation.
“We also want to maintain a register whereby unmetered customers can register their names. Once we have a list, we will validate it with the DisCos, improving the pace of installation. We are looking for confirmed cases of requests for money by any DisCo official or installer. Nigerians will know what we can do, and it will serve as a deterrent for others not to commit such an offence or illegality. That’s the plan.
“Extortion is not allowed, but there must be confirmed cases of such extortion, and the officials involved—no matter how high—will be prosecuted. It will be publicised and serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions. We will not allow that. This is a government effort, and no activity of a DisCo or installer should frustrate government efforts to ensure that life is made easy for Nigerians and that we have a stable, reliable, and functional power sector,” he said.
Adelabu added that the Tinubu administration is resolving a decades-long problem that has affected liquidity. “But the boldness, courage, and political will of the government to go ahead with this should be commended. We will track it end-to-end to ensure that the government’s effort is well implemented and our desired objectives are achieved.
“The aggregate meter gap covers all categories of customers. We are not discriminating. We are prioritising every Nigerian, every customer, every electricity user. The issue of Band A, Band B, or Band C is temporary; it is our systematic way of ensuring this reform reaches everyone. The meters will be given to all levels of customers and not restricted to a single band. I am committing to that,” he stressed.
As journalists expressed doubts over the possibility of free meter distribution to customers, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayo Gbeleyi, stated that the bureau coordinates the implementation of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme on behalf of the Federal Government and serves on the boards of all 11 electricity distribution companies.
Gbeleyi said, “Regarding concerns that DisCos are delaying meter installations, you will soon see a new order or circular from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission prescribing the protocols and processes DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered access for meter installations.
“We are monitoring this. We have our dashboard, trackers, and all stakeholders’ hands on deck to ensure seamless and rapid deployment of these meters. One more thing—the meters here are manufactured to the specific requirements of each DisCo. They are inscribed on the meter, with an anti-theft protocol embedded. The configuration is for a particular DisCo, so a meter configured for Eko DisCo cannot be installed in Ibadan.”
Speaking, the Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, said the meters supplied by the Federal Government are designed to genuinely generate more revenue for the country and supply more power.
“I’m telling you, physically, we have installed almost 150,000 meters, and they are free. Don’t give anybody money. You are not allowed. We had a meeting Wednesday with the minister and the DG of BPE about further progress on making it easy for every Nigerian. We are calling it mobile registration of free meters. If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said.
On the delay in meter installations after months of application and payments made, the minister reassured, “This is our country. It is valid that there will be apprehensions and reservations because of past experiences. Previously, there was limited meter availability, and payment was required.
“But this programme has two advantages: first, the volume is now sufficient—we have received almost 1 million meters, with another 1.55 million meters coming in the second phase. Second, the meters must be installed free of charge. The complications experienced in the past will be completely eliminated. We had a meeting on Wednesday for almost two to three hours to discuss all existing complications and foreseeable difficulties, and I assure you we already have effective solutions to all these problems.”
Adelabu also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are tested by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency to ensure they meet required standards. Nigeria currently has over five million customers under estimated billing.
….Gov throws jibe, describes impeachment notice as ‘love letter’
Vows to avoid actions capable of breaching peace
The office of the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has received the letter from the State House of Assembly requesting him to constitute a seven-man committee to probe the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Petitions, Information and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, confirmed that the Chief Judge had acknowledged receipt of all the documents.
Also received by the CJ’s office were other documents detailing the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy governor, copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure 2025 and photocopies of The Nation, The Guardian and The Sun, among others.
George said: “It is important to inform the good people of Rivers State that Mr. Speaker has already complied with the Constitution and letters sent by him to the Chief Judge have been received and acknowledged.
“All relevant documents including the Notices of Allegations of Gross Misconduct were attached”.
He added: “Every step going forward, what can happen or what cannot happen is clearly stated in Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The good people of Rivers State should remain calm and should not listen to those who want to truncate our democracy.”
He commended and thanked the good people of Rivers State for their support and prayers for the 10th Assembly in particular and Rivers people at large.
The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area has however issued an interim injunction restraining the CJ from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other members of the State House of Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
They just landed me a ‘love letter’, says Fubara
Governor Fubara, in a veiled reference to the impeachment notice, called it a love letter.
“This 2026 that I thought would have been the finest, they just landed me a love letter,” he said while speaking as special guest during the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He added:”That notwithstanding, we must move on and carry on the responsibilities as a government. We will continue to support everyone who means well for Rivers State.”
He vowed that he would not support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of undermining peace and safety in the state.
He insisted that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of his administration.
He emphasised that he remained the governor of the state and would continue to deliver on the promises made to the people.
Fubara expressed satisfaction that the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament was held for one week without any incident.
He described the peaceful conduct of the event as a clear indication that Rivers is safe for residents, visitors and investors.
A supporter of the governor, Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo, asked the assembly members to perform their functions independently.
He pleaded with President Tinubu to intervene on the matter, insisting that the governor had done nothing to warrant his removal.
He said: “This assembly must remain independent to allow peace to prevail in the state.
“Governor Fubara has done nothing to warrant his removal. President Tinubu should intervene in this matter as the leader of the party.”
The high powered committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to reconcile the feuding sides in the Rivers imbroglio is said to be working round the clock to stop the planned impeachment.
The committee members have already met with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja and separately with Fubara and some other stakeholders.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoyede has faulted the persecution claim by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).
He described it as unfortunate that some Nigerians were buying into the narrative when Malami’s probe started before his appointment.
Malami is standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.
Speaking on a national television yesterday, Olukoyede dismissed Malami’s claim of vendetta against him, saying the commission has not wavered in investigating and prosecuting those suspected to have been involved in corruption cases.
“There’s nothing like that. The particular case predated my appointment. And, I didn’t give a nod to initiate proceedings until I found that we have a water-tight investigation,” he said.
The EFCC boss denied being indicted by Justice Ayo Salami’s panel.
Olukoyede said: “I challenge those making such claims of indictment against me by Justice Ayo Salami Panel to publish the report.
“Let me tell Nigerians that the commission’s investigation panel cleared me of any wrongdoing. The presidency at the time also cleared me. Also, the law enforcement agencies handed me a clean bill.
“I can say clearly that there’s no report anywhere that I’ve been involved in any fraudulent dealings, whether as the commission’s chief of staff, secretary, and now, the chairman of the commission.”
Noting that the commission, under his watch, made notable achievements last year, he said: “Our big win in 2025 was our ability to review and revive old cases that Nigerians thought were dead.
“Some of the cases affect past governors and ministers, and many such cases are in courts.
“We were able to recover assets. Nigerians are aware of the Lokogoma assets. One major recovery was a university.”
The EFCC recovered Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna, after a court ordered its final forfeiture because it was built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant.
It was converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences,
Immediate-Past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation over the arms and ammunition found in his house.
Newsthumb learnt that the arms were uncovered at his Kebbi country home by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search.
The anti-graft agency, it was further learnt, handed them over to the Department of State Service (DSS) for a comprehensive probe because it is not within its remit to do so.
The number of arms and ammunition could not be immediately ascertained, but it was gathered that they are high in number to attract a full DSS investigation.
Malami, who was granted bail last week along with his sons – Abdulaziz, Abiru-Rahman, and others – is still in the Kuje correctional centre, having been unable to perfect his bail conditions.
But, sources said he might be taking things slowly to stall the DSS investigation into the weapons found in his house.
“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS.
“It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That’s why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions. He is holed up in prison to avoid arrest by the DSS.
“DSS operatives are within the precincts of Kuje Correctional Service to invite Malami. He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course.”
Another source within the EFCC said Malami had yet to meet his bail conditions.
“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.
The source added: “The investigation into Malami’s activities during his tenure began when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in office.
“Investigation continued through the administration of another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the present Executive Chairman. Chukkol, who works in the agency, was in charge briefly before Olukoyede’s appointment.
“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this.”
Olukoyede confirmed that he inherited the Malami case during an interview last night on a national television.
A Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons.
The assets have been valued at N213, 234,120,000.
The court has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired.
Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government.
The court’s order was based on the invocation of the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.
The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin-Kebbi.
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