By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to research commercialisation, technology transfer, local content development and job creation with the rollout of the proposed Project NOVA Hub at the headquarters of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in Abuja.

The commitment was underscored during an inspection visit to the facility by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), marking a key milestone in the implementation of Project NOVA (Nigeria Outsourcing and Value Acceleration).

Conceived by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, the initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem by accelerating the commercialisation of research and indigenous innovations.

During the visit, the minister inspected ongoing renovation and construction works at the proposed hub and received briefings from the NOTAP management team and the project’s implementation consultant, Crestsage Limited, led by Engr. Charles Emembolu.

Speaking on the project, Amadiobi said Project NOVA is intended to bridge the gap between research output and economic utilisation, noting that although Nigeria produces thousands of research findings and innovations annually, only a small percentage are translated into commercially viable products, businesses and jobs.

She explained that the initiative will serve as NOTAP’s national platform for technology commercialisation by creating structured pathways for technology transfer, innovation adoption, enterprise development, workforce competitiveness and industrial transformation.

According to her, the project is built around three pillars—NOVA Centres of Excellence, NOVA Catalyst and NOVA Impact—which will promote research commercialisation, intellectual property management, technology transfer, skills development, enterprise competitiveness and industry collaboration.

The Project NOVA Hub is expected to become a national centre for innovation and industrial advancement. It will feature an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for AI research and enterprise adoption, a Research Commercialisation and Policy Centre focused on technology transfer and intellectual property management, and a Deep Technology Facility dedicated to emerging technologies and industry-led innovation.

The Deep Technology Facility will be developed through partnerships with local and international organisations to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, promote indigenous innovation and build globally competitive digital talent.

Amadiobi described Project NOVA as a transformational initiative aimed at converting research and innovation into economic opportunities through stronger partnerships, enterprise development and sustainable job creation.

Commending the initiative, the minister said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification, industrialisation, technology development, youth empowerment and inclusive growth.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that research and innovation generate measurable economic value through improved local content, stronger technology transfer, competitive industries and sustainable employment.

According to Udeh, Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness depends not only on producing knowledge but also on building systems that convert research into commercially viable products, thriving enterprises and quality jobs.

He added that Project NOVA would strengthen indigenous technological capabilities, reduce reliance on imported technologies, support local enterprises and position Nigerian innovators within regional and global value chains.

The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that promote technology transfer, strengthen innovation ecosystems, expand opportunities for young Nigerians and support globally competitive businesses.

Project NOVA aligns with key national development frameworks, including the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap, Vision 2050 and Executive Order 005, all of which promote local content, industrial competitiveness and knowledge-driven economic development.

Upon completion, the NOVA Hub is expected to serve as a flagship national platform for technology commercialisation, innovation acceleration, startup support, workforce development, investment promotion and public-private partnerships, contributing to job creation, enterprise competitiveness and the growth of Nigeria’s innovation-driven economy.