Bill Sponsor: Sen. Bamidele, Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central-Senate Leader)
Bill Progress: First Reading
In recent developments within the Nigerian National Assembly, the legislative landscape is witnessing a significant proposal that aims to reshape the country’s approach to scientific research and innovation. The National Research and Innovation Council (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.697), has garnered attention owing to its ambitious objectives and potential implications for the nation’s development.
The journey of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and its accompanying fund has been a sprawling saga of legislative attempts. The National Research and Innovation Council (Establishment) Bill aims to establish a sustainable framework for fostering research and innovation across Nigeria. The bill seeks to create two pivotal institutions: the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF). The NRIC is envisioned as the apex body tasked with policymaking and coordination of all research and innovation activities across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as research institutes throughout the nation.
One of the bill’s most significant contributions is the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF). This fund is intended to provide a robust financial foundation for research and innovation, breaking away from the traditional reliance on annual budgetary allocations that often proved inadequate or inconsistent. By creating a dedicated financing mechanism, the NRIF aims to ensure that researchers and innovators have access to the necessary resources to develop their ideas into impactful solutions.
The proposed institutions are designed with several key functions that align with Nigeria’s developmental goals, among these is the establishment of national priorities for research, innovation, and development (R&D). By identifying critical areas of need, the NRIC is expected to guide the allocation of resources and efforts toward projects that promise substantial benefits to the nation. This strategic approach to prioritizing R&D is particularly pertinent in a country like Nigeria, where resources can be limited, and targeting the most pressing challenges can lead to greater social and economic outcomes.
Additionally, the NRIC is poised to enhance coordination among various government agencies and research institutions. Coordination is often cited as a significant gap in Nigeria’s research ecosystem, where overlapping efforts and isolated projects can dilute the impact of individual initiatives. By fostering synergy among stakeholders, the NRIC will facilitate integrated approaches to complex problems, enabling multifaceted solutions that leverage diverse expertise and resources.
Funding mobilization is another crucial function envisioned by the bill. The proposed council will actively engage in fund-raising activities to support science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives, particularly in areas deemed critical for national advancement. Novel strategies in fundraising and public-private partnerships could be explored to tap into a broader spectrum of resources beyond conventional government funding.
A standout element of the National Research and Innovation Council’s mandate is the promotion of commercialization. Encouraging the application and commercialization of research outputs is essential for transforming innovative ideas into tangible products and services. This focus on commercialization aligns with global best practices where research and development are directly linked to economic growth and job creation. By fostering an environment where research translates into market-ready solutions, Nigeria could experience a digitally empowered economy driven by innovation.
Moreover, the bill aims to provide a legal framework that supports the implementation of national policies related to science, technology, and innovation. By granting legal backing to these policies, the NRIC can ensure that the recommendations and strategies outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy are operationalized effectively.
As the National Research and Innovation Council (Establishment) Bill progresses through the legislative process, it holds promise for the future trajectory of Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape. Should the bill be enacted into law, it could usher in a new era of systematic innovation, transformative research projects, and sustainable funding. These developments are not merely academic; they stand to have profound implications for addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, from healthcare and education to agriculture and technology.
