Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has urged scientists and other relevant stakeholders to leverage science and technology to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.
Bagudu gave the advice on Tuesday at the 6th Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) conference themed ” Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Nigeria” in Abuja.
He said deploying Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) can help the country to attain double-digit growth.
The minister reiterated that the Federal Government was committed to integrating innovation into its Renewed Hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
Bagudu highlighted lessons from countries like Brazil and China, which have leveraged science and technology to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.
“We need to grow faster enough, we have not been growing as much as consistently as expected considering our population, may be just eight per cent over the past three years.
“Giving the experience of other countries that have been able to generate double-digit growth, we need to ask, why not us.
“One of the biggest elements we appreciated in the Renewed Hope strategy is that those who have achieved it like China, Brazil, have put science, innovation and technology at the heart of generating that growth.
“To achieve progress, you must embody processes and analyse the level of science deployed,” Bagudu said.
He shared experiences as former governor of Kebbi State on a biofuel programme inspired by Brazil’s ethanol initiative and collaborative efforts with international organisations to increase rice yields.
The minister called for stronger collaboration between the scientific community, government, and private sector to foster innovation and enhance Nigeria’s climate resilience.
He also urged scientists to engage policymakers and provide evidence-based solutions to drive economic transformation.
Bagudu reaffirmed the government’s determination to create opportunities for the youth through science and technology-driven initiatives.
President of NAS, Prof. Ekanem Braide, said part of its mandate was to assist the government and stakeholders in addressing major national problems that could be solved by the application of science,technology and innovation, including climate change.
Braide stressed the need to address climate change and its impact, which was stated in the Sustainable Development Goals 13.
She said that the conference topics and subtopics had been carefully considered to discuss issues around climate change affecting the country.
The president said that the general public were not convinced enough to join the campaign against climate change, adding that adequate attention was not given to it in some countries, hence the need for more awareness.
“There is need for the public to be convinced to be actively involved in mitigating and adaptation of climate change impacts.”
Dr Enang Moma, Head of Natural Science Sector, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said that the organisation worked on climate adaptation and resilience in all its thematic areas.
Moma also said her organisation was assisting
member states to develop relevant policies and initiatives that use science in those thematic areas, like science, culture, education, information,among others.
She told NAS about UN’s General Assembly (UNGA) proclamation of 2024-2033, as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).
“Led by UNESC0, this decade aims to
mobilise a wide range of scientific disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary and emerging fields, to contribute to transformative change in societies, economies, and the environment.
“Science must therefore be more actionable and engaging and stakeholders and the academy of science has a central role in advancing the objectives of the Decade.
“UNESCO stands ready to work with NAS in formulating effective STI policies and following up on the reporting on the UNESC0 2021
Recommendation on Open Science,” she said.
Mrs Janet Adeyemi, National President, Women in Mining, Nigeria (WIMN), said that while the country was trying to navigate climate adaptation and industrial growth, equity was required.
Represented by Dr Raulatu Piwuna, National Coordinator, WIMN, Adeyemi also said that the mining sector had immense potential to drive sustainable development.
“By promoting girls in mining and integrating general considerations into climate strategies, the industry can build resilience, foster innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
“It is time for Nigeria to recognise that empowering girls and women in mining is not just a social imperative, but also a critical strategy for climate resilience and economic growth.”
The two-day conference would feature paper presentations on climate change and adaptation, as well as awards to outstanding contributions and performance at the conference.