As 2025 come to a close, the Senate Committee on Science and Technology has underscored its achievements over the year while drawing attention to funding constraints that have affected project implementation.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Iya Abbas revealed that the President’s approval of Nigeria’s first national satellite project represented a major milestone, expected to strengthen the country’s security, weather forecasting, and technological capabilities.
“The satellite will be a game-changer for national security and developmental planning,” he noted.
In addition, the National Board for Technology Incubation has successfully established 59 technology incubation centers across the country, providing platforms for innovation, youth empowerment, and industrial development. The committee also successfully passed the local raw material bill through both chambers, a law designed to ensure that Nigeria adds value to its natural resources before export, thereby generating employment opportunities for young Nigerians and women. The bill now await presidential assent.
Senator Abbas however said the committee was facing significant challenges, particularly with delayed capital funding for 2024 and 2025, which has slowed the rollout of approved projects.
“All projects are ready to move forward; once funding is released, we will see tangible progress across the country,” the chairman stated.
Looking ahead, Abbas said the committee remain committed to advancing Nigeria’s science and technology agenda, with the necessary frameworks in place to translate policies into impactful outcomes once resources are secured.
