Nigeria to drive economic growth through innovation – FG

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Nigeria will continue to rely on innovation as a major driver of economic transformation and sustainable national development.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, represented by Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said this during the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting held in India.

This is contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson on Friday.

The meeting had the theme: “BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

She said Nigeria’s technology ecosystem had produced globally recognised fintech solutions, digital platforms and creative industries contributing significantly to economic growth.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that Nigerian entrepreneurs were pioneering innovations in mobile banking, renewable energy and agritech, helping to bridge financial inclusion gaps nationwide.

“Nigeria has launched several flagship initiatives to expand digital literacy, foster start-ups, and connect youth to global opportunities.

“Nigeria believes innovation must be inclusive and we are committed to sharing experiences with BRICS partners.

“By linking our innovation ecosystems, we can accelerate progress across continents and ensure that technology serves humanity,” she further stated.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified key initiatives as the Digital Literacy for All programme, the 3 Million Technical Talent scheme and innovation hubs across all states.

According to her, the programmes aim to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

She emphasised the importance of cooperation, describing it as the foundation of Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional integration efforts.

“As a large economy with a young and talented population, Nigeria has championed regional integration within ECOWAS.

“Our leadership in ECOWAS reflects our conviction that cooperation is essential for prosperity and peace,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges through the BRICS platform.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also described the New Development Bank as an important instrument for financing projects that supported sustainable growth and community development.

She said Nigeria had adopted an ambitious Energy Transition Plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2060 through renewable energy and green finance investments.

According to her, Nigeria remains committed to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“We believe BRICS can play a leading role in advancing global sustainability by sharing knowledge, mobilising resources and supporting green innovation.

“Nigeria’s role in BRICS is to bring the voice of Africa and the Global South into this vital dialogue,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu added.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting held from May 14 to May 15 in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit later in 2026.