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Nigeria, Czech Republic Expand Bilateral Tech Collaboration
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) have officially launched the second phase of the DELTA-2 Programme, with a Call for Proposals focused on the commercialization of research and development (R&D) outcomes across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.
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The DELTA-2 Project is a bilateral partnership between Nigeria and the Czech Republic, supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR). The programme targets innovators, technology entrepreneurs, and researchers in agriculture, mining, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technologies, health, climate innovations, and defence solutions.
Delta-2 Programme: Accelerating Nigeria’s Innovation Ecosystem
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, Chairman of PICTT, emphasized that the DELTA-2 initiative is now a major driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth in Nigeria.
He noted:
“The DELTA-2 Programme is a catalyst for small business growth, productivity, and competitiveness. It will reduce import dependence while boosting Nigeria’s global position in science and technology.”
The first call for proposals in 2022 attracted 285 submissions, with 25 projects funded in 2023, producing innovative products in agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. These projects have already created jobs, enhanced skills, and advanced technology transfer.
NASENI Highlights Research with Impact
Delivering his keynote address, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, said the uniqueness of DELTA-2 lies in its focus on commercialization and outcomes.
“This is not research for the sake of research. It is research with purpose and market in mind — bridging laboratories and marketplaces, connecting Czech expertise with Nigerian creativity.”
He cited success stories from 12 beneficiaries of the first phase, working on renewable energy, advanced materials, agricultural technologies, and manufacturing innovations, as proof of the programme’s impact.
Government Reaffirms Support for Technology Transfer
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said the programme directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing:
“This is research for impact. Every funded project must deliver tangible, scalable, and commercially viable outcomes that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and create new markets.”
Priority sectors include food technology, renewable energy, mining, health innovations, digital mobility, climate technology, and defence industries.
Stakeholders Call for Inclusive Innovation
Other stakeholders also reinforced the programme’s importance:
- Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, praised NASENI’s leadership and urged extending similar opportunities to Nigerians in the diaspora.
- Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Assistant to the President on Trade, Investment and Industry, said the initiative supports President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda, stressing the role of technology transfer in industrialization and investment growth.
A Pathway to Nigeria’s Innovation-Driven Economy
The DELTA-2 Programme (Second Phase) is expected to transform Nigeria’s R&D ecosystem into commercially viable solutions, ensuring job creation, industrial growth, and strengthened bilateral ties with the Czech Republic.
Stakeholders, researchers, and innovators are encouraged to submit proposals and seize the opportunity to build Nigeria’s future through innovation, technology transfer, and international collaboration.
