- MDAs must prioritise indigenous companies and locally developed technologies in all non-oil science, engineering, and technology projects.
- The Federal Government will actively support initiatives that ensure patents are commercialised, allowing Nigerian inventors to translate innovations into industries and contribute directly to GDP.
The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise indigenous companies and locally developed technologies in science and engineering projects. This step strengthens local content across Nigeria’s non-oil economy. In Abuja, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Kingsley Udeh issued the directive. During the ceremony, he presented thirteen patent certificates to Nigerian inventors. The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) hosted the event.
Udeh explained that the Presidential Executive Order 5 implementation team will collaborate with NOTAP, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and relevant MDAs. Together, they will implement a comprehensive framework to institutionalise local content in non-oil and gas sectors. He said, “The future will not be shaped by nations with the most oil, but by those with the best ideas.” Consequently, Executive Order 5 is moving from policy aspiration into reality. It will empower Nigerian businesses, create jobs, and build a diversified, resilient economy.
The framework provides clear guidance for applying Executive Order 5, as outlined in the Federal Government Gazette. It also supports emerging sectors, including advanced manufacturing, construction, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. The framework requires that Nigerian professional companies, locally sourced materials, and indigenous services take priority in all public projects and procurement involving science, engineering, or technology components. In addition, the government is finalising an amendment to the Executive Order. Officials expect the president to sign it soon, making the policy legally binding.
Addressing the thirteen patent awardees, including a serving military officer, Udeh emphasised that patents must become viable industries. He said, “A patent is a promise, not a product. Under my leadership, we will move from recognition to active commercialisation.” The Ministry and NOTAP will connect innovators with partners who can bring their ideas to market. Udeh described the awardees as “the vanguard of Industry 5.0 in Nigeria.” He also encouraged universities to run aggressive commercial units rather than maintain purely academic archives.
NOTAP Director-General Obiageli Amadiobi called the ceremony a milestone for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. She highlighted that the agency has supported over 400 patents at no cost to inventors since its inception. She added that NOTAP encourages universities and research institutions to establish Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices. This policy promotes problem-solving research instead of purely theoretical studies.
Overall, this initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported technologies. By empowering local businesses and creating jobs, it strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge and innovation economy. Furthermore, linking universities, research institutes, and private sector industries will turn research outputs into commercially viable solutions. As a result, the framework drives industrialisation and sustainable development across the country.