Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-member Planning Committee to coordinate the National Flag-Off of the Energize Commercialization Now, ECoN, Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at transforming research outputs into economic value.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to convert Nigeria’s vast research and innovation outputs into market-ready products, scalable enterprises, and job-creating opportunities.
He noted that ECoN will mobilize stakeholders nationwide to identify bankable innovations and accelerate their transition from laboratories to the marketplace, stressing that the country must move beyond theoretical research to practical solutions that drive industrial growth and national prosperity.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, had earlier briefed the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the initiative and proposed her as Champion of the programme, with the national flag-off scheduled for Kano State.
He explained that Kano was deliberately selected due to its historic role as a commercial and industrial hub, offering strong potential to attract investment, stimulate enterprise, and create jobs.
The Committee is chaired by the Minister, with the Permanent Secretary as Co-Chairman, while the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, NBRDA, and the Director-General, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, SHESTCO, serve as Alternate Chairmen.
Members include: Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso; Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji; Dr. Jummai Adamu; Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Amadiobi; Dr. Kabiru Mu’azu; Dr. Anwal Mustapha; Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofo; Mr. Moses Fatogun; Mr. Adamu Sulaiman; a representative of SMEDAN; Dr. Prince Lawrence Eze; Alhaji Sani Garba; Dr. Muhammad Mustapha; Dr. Chioma Okeke; Mr. Luther Onyemkpa; Mr. Charles Egumgbe, and Dr. Nwankwo Nnenna serving as Secretary.
The national flag-off is proposed for late April or early May 2026, subject to Presidential approval.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to positioning innovation as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
