Fostering Collaboration in Lagos
The Nigeria-EU Science and Innovation Day 2026 is taking place today, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, co-hosted by the European Union and the Nigerian government, aims to strengthen collaboration between Nigerian and European research communities and create practical pathways for long-term scientific partnerships. Under the theme 'Building Together Sustainable Science & Innovation Ecosystems', the day brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, innovators, policymakers, investors, and creative leaders from both regions.
The one-day program, held at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, features high-level conversations, expert panels, and discussions on building inclusive and resilient science ecosystems. Key activities include a 'Young Researchers Pitch Session' for outstanding Nigerian Master's and PhD students, and a 'Nigeria-EU Matchmaking Meeting' designed to connect institutions through pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings.
Historic Bilateral Agreement Underway
The Science and Innovation Day coincides with a significant development in EU-Nigeria relations: the formal opening of negotiations for a bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation Agreement. This landmark agreement, described as the first science-focused bilateral framework of its kind undertaken by the European Union in over two decades, seeks to boost cooperation on research and innovation. The negotiations, which commenced on February 23, 2026, aim to provide a political framework to assess past cooperation, discuss lessons learned, and jointly determine future actions, aligning with the conclusions of the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue and the 2024 EU-Nigeria Summit.
Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Kingsley Udeh, Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, have been central to these discussions. Ambassador Mignot emphasized that 'strong science ecosystems are not built in isolation,' highlighting the importance of trust, openness, and sustained investment. Minister Udeh noted that the agreement positions Nigeria as a central hub for scientific advancement in Africa and aims to foster the emergence of more Nigerian tech giants.
Expanding Research and Innovation Footprint
Cooperation between the EU and Nigeria in science, technology, and innovation has seen progressive growth in recent years. Nigerian entities have actively participated in the Horizon Europe framework program, the EU's main funding program for research and innovation, with 55 projects involving Nigerian organizations receiving approximately €20 million in funding. Additionally, Nigeria is involved in 12 projects under the Global Health European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials' Partnership 3 (EDCTP3), amounting to approximately €75 million.
The new bilateral agreement is expected to further enhance Nigeria's access to European research networks, strengthen institutional capacity, and attract greater investment into science-driven solutions. The event's matchmaking sessions are structured around key thematic clusters, including:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society
- Support Post Conflict
- Digital Industry and Space
- Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Food, Biodiversity, Natural Resources, Agriculture
These areas reflect shared priorities for sustainable growth and economic transformation, underscoring the commitment of both the EU and Nigeria to leveraging science and innovation for societal impact.
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