Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the second phase of the DELTA-2 Programme, a bilateral technology-transfer initiative designed to move Nigerian research from the laboratory to the marketplace and stimulate economic growth.
Jointly managed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), in partnership with the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, the programme invites proposals from Nigerian innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, health technology and climate solutions.
Officials say the DELTA-2 initiative is central to Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports. By funding research with clear commercial potential, the scheme is expected to generate new products and services, expand small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global markets key goals in President Tinubu’s drive for a $1 trillion economy.
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At the launch in Abuja, PICTT Chairman Dr. Dahiru Mohammed described DELTA-2 as “a catalyst for job creation, enhanced productivity and the growth of SMEs,” stressing that the programme will accelerate technology transfer and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign products.
The first call for proposals in 2022 attracted 285 submissions, of which 25 projects were funded in 2023. Those projects have already yielded innovative products in agriculture, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, creating jobs and building local capacity.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleiman Halilu highlighted the programme’s early successes, citing 12 funded projects that are delivering renewable energy solutions, advanced materials and agricultural technologies. “This is research with purpose and market in mind,” he said. “It bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace, between ideas and impact.”
Halilu urged researchers to submit proposals that anticipate emerging challenges, from climate change to digital transformation. “It is not research for shelves; it is research for impact,” he added.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, reinforced the call for commercially viable outcomes. “Every funded project must deliver tangible, scalable results that directly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, create jobs and open new markets at home and abroad,” he said.
Other dignitaries, including Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Presidential Adviser on Trade and Industry John Uwajumogu, praised DELTA-2 for aligning with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity to attract global investment.
The second call for proposals is now open, offering Nigerian innovators a chance to secure funding that can transform groundbreaking ideas into real economic value while positioning the country as a competitive player in the global technology marketplace.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
