Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST)
- Founded
- 1980-01-01
- Headquarters
- Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) is Nigeria's central government body responsible for charting the nation's course in science, technology, and innovation. Established in 1980 as the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, it has evolved through several name changes and structural reforms, most recently in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu rebranded it to emphasize innovation as a driver of economic transformation. FMIST's mission is to harness research, technological adoption, and homegrown innovation to propel Nigeria's socio-economic development. It oversees a network of over 20 research institutes and parastatals, including the National Space Research and Development Agency and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure. The ministry manages key services such as patent registration, a national STI databank, and advisory consulting for policy and business. It also leads Nigeria's engagement with international partners, notably the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, which has funded Nigerian researchers with €600 million. Under the leadership of Honourable Minister Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, FMIST is intensifying collaborations with state governments, advancing forensic science initiatives, and organizing national innovation events like the Abuja International Motor Fair and the G‑STIC conference, all aligned with the government's Renewed Hope economic agenda.
Detailed Review
History & Establishment
FMIST was created in 1980 as the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Over the decades it has been renamed and restructured to keep pace with Nigeria's evolving priorities. The most significant change came in 2023, when President Bola Tinubu renamed it the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, signaling a stronger focus on innovation as a catalyst for national economic growth.
Mission & Role
The ministry's core mission is to facilitate the development and deployment of science, technology, and innovation for national development. It operates through three main pillars: policy formulation (setting national STI policies and regulatory frameworks), research and development (overseeing more than 20 research institutes and parastatals), and innovation ecosystem support (providing patent registration, technology transfer services, and capacity building). As a government ministry, its funding comes from the national budget rather than commercial revenue.
Key Services & Programmes
FMIST delivers several flagship services. The Patent Registration Service enables innovators to secure intellectual property rights for their inventions. The STI Advisory Services & Databank is a data repository and consultancy arm that provides policy research and business advice. The Research Institutes Network coordinates sector-specific R&D across agencies like NASRDA and SHESTCO. The ministry is also the lead Nigerian counterpart for the Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative IV, a €600 million EU programme that funds Nigerian researchers, startups, and institutions. Additionally, FMIST hosts or co-organises major events such as the G‑STIC Conference (Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community) and the Abuja International Motor Fair.
Recent Developments (2025–2026)
In 2025, Minister Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh highlighted forensic science as a tool to strengthen Nigeria's justice system. That same year, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot visited the ministry, leading to the announcement of the first Nigeria‑EU Science and Innovation Day (February 24, 2025) and negotiations for a formal STI agreement. The ministry has also been actively partnering with state governments, including Delta State, to deploy solar power for critical institutions. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye confirmed collaboration with China on equipment supply and manpower development for schools and hospitals.
Organisational Structure
FMIST is led by a political appointee (the Honourable Minister) and an administrative Permanent Secretary, supported by directors of various technical departments such as Bio‑Resources Technology and Press and Public Relations. The ministry's headquarters is in Abuja, and it employs several hundred staff, though an exact headcount is not publicly disclosed.
Key Products
Patent Registration Service
Enables innovators to secure intellectual property rights for inventions and innovations through the ministry's online platform.
STI Advisory Services & Databank
A data repository and advisory unit that provides science, technology, and innovation insights for policy and business decisions.
Research Institutes Network
Oversees a nationwide network of research institutes and parastatals (e.g., NASRDA, SHESTCO) to conduct sector-specific research and development.
Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative IV
A €600 million EU programme channelled through FMIST to fund Nigerian researchers, startups, and institutions.
G‑STIC Conference & Motor Fair
Annual events such as the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G‑STIC) conference and the Abuja International Motor Fair, hosted or co-organised by FMIST.