Nigeria and the European Union have formalised a new science and technology cooperation agreement aimed at deepening research collaboration, boosting innovation, and expanding funding opportunities for Nigerian institutions.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by Gautier Mignot, head of the EU delegation, and Kingsley Udeh.
Access to €100bn Research Programme
A major highlight of the deal is Nigeria’s access to Horizon Europe—the European Commission’s flagship research and innovation initiative with a budget of nearly €100 billion.
According to official data, Nigerian participation in Horizon Europe is already gaining traction, with 55 projects involving Nigerian entities across sectors such as health, agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability. These projects account for 65 participations by Nigerian organisations, attracting approximately €20 million in funding, with 15 Nigeria-based institutions directly receiving about €9 million.
Boost for Innovation and Global Collaboration
Speaking at the signing, Mignot described the agreement as a strategic framework that will enhance Nigerian institutions’ access to EU-backed research funding, increase their global visibility, and strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration.
Udeh noted that the deal marks Nigeria’s first formal science and technology cooperation framework with the EU in over two decades, signalling a renewed push to position the country within global innovation ecosystems.
Oversight and Strategic Focus
To ensure effective implementation, both parties have established a Joint Science and Technical Cooperation Committee tasked with coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and tracking outcomes.
The partnership will prioritise collaborative projects in critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, climate action, food security, and emerging technologies—areas seen as vital to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and sustainability.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Innovation Ecosystem
The agreement underscores growing international confidence in Nigeria’s research capacity and innovation potential, while aligning with broader efforts to accelerate technological development and knowledge exchange between Africa and Europe.
With expanded access to funding and expertise, the deal is expected to open new opportunities for Nigerian researchers, startups, and institutions to scale their impact on both regional and global stages.
