The Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has highlighted co-creation as the core principle guiding EU–Nigeria collaboration in science and innovation.

He made the remarks at the Nigeria–EU Science and Innovation Day held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), where policymakers, researchers, innovators, and private-sector stakeholders from both Nigeria and Europe gathered to strengthen partnerships and advance cooperation.

Ambassador Mignot described the relationship as one based on shared ownership rather than a simple transfer of knowledge. He emphasised that science and innovation are crucial for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in addressing challenges such as food security, digital infrastructure, and climate resilience. He added that EU engagement in Nigeria aims to reinforce national innovation systems, boost institutional capacity, and support the translation of research into market-ready solutions.

The ambassador highlighted ongoing projects under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, including initiatives for digital transformation, innovation ecosystem development, and financing frameworks for the creative industries. He also noted alignment with Nigeria’s priorities to expand digital infrastructure and foster a supportive environment for enterprise and innovation.

Ms Nienke Buisman, European Commission Director for International Cooperation in Research and Innovation, stated that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading participants in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. She pointed out that Nigerian universities, start-ups, and SMEs are collaborating with European counterparts in areas such as AI applications, sustainable agriculture, fintech innovation, and climate adaptation under the AU–EU Innovation Agenda.

Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, delivering the keynote on behalf of the minister, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to internationalising research, deepening global partnerships, and strengthening the national innovation ecosystem. He outlined priority areas, including agricultural productivity, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, with implementation coordinated through an inter-ministerial framework chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Dr Udeh further noted that the federal government is working to enhance research financing mechanisms and expand international research partnerships to accelerate commercialisation and support enterprise development.

Participants described the Science and Innovation Day as a practical platform for networking and collaboration, translating policy discussions into structured partnerships and tangible innovation outcomes.