Senate Committee Decries Funding Delays Stalling Science, Tech Projects

Senate Committee Decries Funding Delays Stalling Science, Tech Projects

The Senate Committee on Science and Technology has lamented persistent delays in capital funding, warning that the setback is slowing the rollout of key science and technology initiatives nationwide.

Committee chairman, Senator Iya Abbas of Adamawa Central, said the frameworks and policies required for implementation are fully in place, but financial constraints continue to impede progress. “All projects are ready to move forward. Once funding is released, we will see tangible progress across the country,” he said, noting that delayed capital releases for 2024 and 2025 have stalled several approved programmes.

Among the flagship initiatives awaiting execution is the President’s approval of Nigeria’s first national satellite project. Senator Abbas described the development as a major step toward boosting national security, improving weather forecasting, and strengthening technological independence. “The satellite will be a game-changer for national security and developmental planning,” he noted.

He also revealed that the committee successfully pushed the Local Raw Material Development Bill through both chambers of the National Assembly. The bill, currently awaiting presidential assent, seeks to ensure value addition to natural resources before export, with the aim of creating more jobs for youth and women.

Additionally, the National Board for Technology Incubation has completed groundwork for 59 technology incubation centres across the country—platforms expected to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth.

Despite these milestones, the committee stressed that their impact will remain limited without timely allocation of funds.

Senator Abbas, however, reaffirmed the committee’s resolve to drive Nigeria’s science and technology agenda, assuring that once resources are released, the country will witness measurable progress.