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FG Begins Implementation of Abuja Technology Park Master Plan
The Federal government yesterday said it has commenced the implementation of the Master Plan for the establishment of the SHESTCO Science and Technology Park at SHEDA in FCT, Abuja.
The minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora disclosed this while declaring open a 2-Day Stakeholders workshop on the development and management of science and technology park and the integration of Technology Forsight for National development.
He said the Ministry has over the years embarked on national and international workshops and other advocacy programmes to sensitize and create awareness and enlightenment for stakeholders including Universities and Research Institutes across the country on the Nigerian Science and Technology Park initiative.
According to him, Science Parks have many advantages on National economies, especially as they: Stimulate and effectively manage the flow of knowledge and technology amongst universities, R&D institutions, companies and markets; facilitate the creation and growth of innovation-based companies through incubation and spin-off processes; and provision of other value-added services together with high quality space and facilities.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, noted that the Ministry is already partnering with institutions and development partners locally and internationally to assist in the implementation of the SHESTCO Science and Technology Park.
The organizations include; the World Technopolis Association, UNESCO, Science Parks and Government of Poland, China Great wall Industry, United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) etc.
He listed some of the achievements of the initiative as; the production of feasibility report and business plan by UNESCO and the production of Master Plan for the project which is being implemented, saying that the park, when completed would spur Nigeria into industrialization.
Mamora described as welcome development the collaboration between the Ministry and some Agencies and Universities such as the Project Development Institute (PRODA), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) which already has a functional Science Park and some State Governments that have indicated interest in establishing their own Science Parks in a manner that will be mutual beneficial.
”The Federal Government has mandated the Ministry to establish, promote and facilitate the establishment of Science and Technology Parks in Nigeria for Nigeria’s sustainable Development.
‘‘On the other hand, Technology Foresight which is also the other area to be discussed at this workshop, provides a frame work to think about the possible future in a structured and constructive way.
Technology Foresight is not about predicting a predetermined future, but about exploring how the future might evolve in different ways, depending on the actions and decisions taken today.
‘‘The Technology Foresight initiative also provides suitable methodologies to promote sustainable and innovative development, fostering economic, environmental and social benefits at national and regional levels.
Its outcomes are policies and programmes that deal with innovation, industrial growth and competitiveness. Nigeria therefore must embrace Technology Foresight for policy and planning and ultimately for the socio-economic development of the country.
‘‘Permit me to say that the involvement of the private sector is necessary in the Science Park project which is based on the triple Hellx Model of the Government, Academia and the Industry.
“Because of dwindling resources, Nigeria, just like other countries is leveraging on the expertise and financial resources of the Private Sector for the implementation of the Science Park and other projects through Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Ministry has several flagship programmes including the Science Park which are earmarked for PPP.’’
He however, re-iterated the resolve of the Federal to promote the evolution of Innovative technologies that would help reduce import dependence, enhance local content and strengthen self-sufficiency in our productive capacities, especially as a nation desirous of creating jobs, reducing poverty and strengthening her economy.
He further charged participants to brainstorm exhaustively and chart the best way for the implementation of the SHESTCO Science and Technology Park Master Plan and of course the of Science Parks in Nigeria, and also how to leverage on Technology Foresight for Planning and Policy formulation as well as Resource Persons.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, the Permanenent Secretary, said the absence of linkage among the stakeholders have adversely affected the development of indigenous technology transfer and had encouraged undue reliance on foreign technical assistance.
While calling for synergy in fast-tracking the development of the park, the PS said other fast developing Nations such as China, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia etc, realized how the development and effective management of Science Parks could transform underdeveloped country to a developed one and hence, decided to develop Science and Technology Parks with spin-off companies running into hundreds and employing thousands of their citizens,
According to her, the role of the ministry is to provide the general leadership and guidance in the implementation of the project alongside with other relevant agencies in handling policy issues and funding for the project; the Research Institutes are to provide the R&D results for commercialization, while Universities and other tertiary institutions are to provide the skilled man power for the SHESTCO S&T Park.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of SHETSCO, Prof. Peter Onyenekwe said the Silicon Valley project of the ministry recognizes the importance of increasing and strengthening the linkage between Nigeria’s government, knowledge/research centres and industry.
As an institute, he said the complex hopes for the S&T park to create a focal point for the building critical mass for infrastructure and expertise that would catalyze and fast-track the commercialization of existing and emerging technologies and research output; foster a robust system of innovation through effective interaction among government, knowledge centre and industry in a corridor of technology that stretches from SHEDA to all part of the country and apart from the initial take off grant, the project should be self-sustaining.
‘‘The increased interest in the development of science and technology Parks globally is related to the need to foster a viable innovation led sector as well as the need for a robust research and development base, using indigenous human capital and associated commercialization of technology to accelerate economic development,’’ he said.
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has said that Federal Government is intensifying its use of digital-economy initiatives to curb corruption among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day held on Tuesday in Abuja, the AGF said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deliberately positioned technology, innovation training, and digital-skills development at the heart of its anti-corruption strategy for young people.
The event, organized by Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR) domiciled at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
Fagbemi, who delivered the keynote address, said the government believes that empowered, skilled and economically engaged youths are less vulnerable to corrupt influences.
According to him, programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talents Programme (3MTT) and the recently launched Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) are already equipping millions of young Nigerians with ICT and digital-innovation skills, reducing their dependence on patronage systems that fuel corrupt practices.
“A hopeful youth is harder to corrupt; an engaged youth is harder to mislead; and an empowered youth is a powerful force for national transformation,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that by investing in digital literacy, tech entrepreneurship and innovation-driven training, the Tinubu administration aims to create a generation of young Nigerians who are globally competitive and resistant to corruption.
Beyond digital skills, the AGF pointed at several government efforts to expand educational access through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and support youth entrepreneurship via the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the iDICE programme, providing funding, training and mentorship for young innovators in tech, entertainment, agriculture and design.
Fagbemi added that the inclusion of young people in governance, through appointments and expanded civic-engagement platforms, was another strategic tool to strengthen integrity and transparency in public life.
He urged stakeholders to deepen efforts to integrate anti-corruption values into school curricula, establish integrity clubs, mentor young leaders, and leverage ICT tools to promote transparency, whistleblowing and public accountability.
Earlier, the Head of TUGAR, Mrs Jane Onwumere said the gathering was especially meaningful because it reflected a shared truth: that tomorrow’s integrity rests significantly in the hands of the youth.
“The theme therefore, is not just a slogan but a call to action and a reminder that young people are not only beneficiaries of good governance, they are co-architects of it.
“Corruption has affected lives and the economy negatively in many ways. One of such is the “japa wave” which has seen young Nigerians leave the country in droves in search of greener pastures. This syndrome has drained the country of resources and human capital. It has in many situations split the family unit, a critical foundation for anti-corruption efforts”, Onwumere, added.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar expressed the agency’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians not only as advocates for accountability but also as active partners in shaping the future of integrity in the extractive industries and beyond.
“At NEITI, we recognize that corruption undermines opportunities for growth, distorts resource governance, and deepens inequality. We also know that a united, informed, and courageous generation can dismantle these barriers.
“This is why NEITI will continue to expand civic education, strengthen our reporting mechanisms, support youth-led innovation, and create more platforms for constructive engagement with young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs”, he added.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked the Investments and Securities Tribunal to order the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) and 25 other defendants accused of defrauding Nigerians of about ₦1.3 trillion through an unlawful digital asset investment scheme.
CBEX
The request was made during the first sitting of the 6th Tribunal in case IST/OA/02/2025 between the SEC and CBEX with 25 others, presided over by tribunal chairman, Hon. Aminu Jinaidu.
The SEC urged the tribunal to compel commercial banks and financial institutions nationwide to freeze all accounts linked to the defendants.
It also sought orders for the seizure of houses and assets allegedly acquired with funds sourced from unsuspecting investors.
According to the commission, CBEX operated illegally by posing as a digital assets platform and capital market operator without registration.
“CBEX is an unregistered platform promising its users 100 percent return on investments within 30 days, which is unlawful and contrary to Section 3(b) of the Investments and Securities Act 2025,” the SEC told the tribunal.
The regulator disclosed that international authorities had previously raised concerns about CBEX.
The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong issued an advisory on April 23, 2024, warning that the platform was a suspicious virtual asset entity.
The tribunal noted that CBEX and the other defendants failed to appear in court and were not represented by legal counsel.
Hon. Jinaidu therefore ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants through national newspapers.
CBEX reportedly entered the Nigerian market in July 2024, operating via a website and mobile application, while claiming to use advanced Artificial Intelligence to generate unusually high profits from cryptocurrency trading.
Investors were promised returns of up to 100 percent within a 40 to 45 day lock-in period.
The scheme later collapsed, triggering widespread losses. Investigations revealed that CBEX functioned as a Ponzi scheme that siphoned more than ₦1.3 trillion, estimated at about $800 million, before disappearing.
The matter has been adjourned to January 27, 2026.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has launched TELE-VET, Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, marking a groundbreaking milestone set to transform access to expert animal healthcare using mobile technology.
Speaking at the event held at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Animal Hospital, Oko-Oba, Agege, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described TELE-VET as a transformative initiative that strengthens animal health systems, improves food safety, and accelerates agricultural innovation across the state and beyond.
She stated that technology continues to redefine global food systems, and Lagos, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to deploying digital solutions that enhance efficiency, empower farmers, and safeguard public health. The Commissioner explained that TELE-VET addresses long-standing challenges faced by farmers and pet owners, especially limited access to timely and professional veterinary care.
Ms. Olusanya highlighted that TELE-VET builds on the existing mobile platforms, M-Agric and M-Health, available on MTN and Glo networks, which provide daily expert tips, mentorship, and animal-care guidance. By dialing *20791#, users can subscribe for ₦100/day, ₦300/week, or ₦500/month, gaining instant access to a variety of services, while all active subscribers can access the Call Centre free of charge.
She added that the Call Centre will deliver emergency support, first-aid guidance, disease-prevention information, and livestock and pet care assistance, noting that the platform helps farmers reduce costs, save time, and access expert care without traveling long distances. She emphasized that TELE-VET will also enhance surveillance and early detection of zoonotic diseases, aligning with the One World, One Health framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The Commissioner further mentioned that TELE-VET sets the stage for future innovations, including livestock and pet health insurance, e-commerce for veterinary products, improved mobility for safe animal transport, and enhanced financing opportunities for farmers, positioning Lagos as a national leader in technology-driven agricultural transformation.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, commended the initiative as a groundbreaking intervention that will significantly improve service delivery within the State’s veterinary ecosystem. He stressed that TELE-VET responds to the evolving needs of farmers and pet owners who require swift and professional support to enhance productivity and ensure animal well-being.
Mr. Audu noted that the Ministry has invested extensively in strengthening the infrastructure, technical systems, and human resources needed to operate a world-class veterinary call centre. He stated that the service is a strategic investment in Lagos State’s food security architecture, enabling efficient livestock health management and timely response to potential disease outbreaks.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the Call Centre will minimize animal losses, improve farm management practices, and provide timely advisory services to farmers, aligning with the Ministry’s mandate to promote sustainable agricultural practices across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs. He praised the collaboration among veterinary professionals, ICT partners, and technical teams that made the initiative possible.
Mr. Audu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuously upgrading the TELE-VET platform to accommodate innovations that improve efficiency and expand service offerings. He encouraged residents to adopt the platform fully, noting that its success depends on widespread participation.
In his remarks, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, stated that the launch of TELE-VET marks a new era in veterinary care delivery in Lagos State. He explained that the platform provides a practical solution to challenges such as limited manpower, delayed emergency response, and difficulties reaching farmers in remote areas by connecting residents directly to certified experts.
Dr. Macaulay added that TELE-VET will strengthen disease surveillance and reporting across the State, aiding early detection of animal diseases and preventing zoonotic infections. With real-time consultations, improved documentation, and faster escalation processes, the platform will support frontline veterinarians and promote safer, healthier food systems for all Lagos residents.
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