— Proposal earmarks 20% of Nigerian Content Development Fund for research
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the National Research and Innovation Development Fund and the National Council on Research and Innovation to strengthen research funding and the commercialisation of research outcomes in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a sustainable institutional and financial framework for coordinating, funding and supporting research, development and innovation across relevant sectors of the economy.
Sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), the executive bill is titled National Research and Innovation Development Fund and National Council on Research and Innovation (Establishment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1069).
Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further legislative action.
Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), said research and innovation were critical to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and national development.
Monguno noted that Nigeria had universities, polytechnics, research institutes, professional academies and technology entrepreneurs engaged in research and development, but argued that their potential could be better harnessed through coordinated activities, sustainable funding and stronger collaboration.
He said the proposed fund would support indigenous and emerging technologies, research infrastructure, projects addressing Nigeria’s specific challenges and a national database of research, development and innovation resources and outputs.
The bill also seeks to strengthen collaboration among government, academia, industry and communities to ensure that research findings are translated into commercially viable products, services and practical solutions.
On funding, Monguno said Section 19 of the bill proposed that the fund’s resources should include an annual contribution equivalent to 20 per cent of the Nigerian Content Development Fund, appropriations by the National Assembly, grants, donations, endowments, proceeds from patents and commercialisation, investment income and other lawful sources.
He said Section 20 outlined the proposed uses of the fund, including research grants, innovation initiatives, infrastructure, product development and prototyping, indigenous technology development, intellectual property acquisition, technology transfer, capacity building and commercialisation of research outcomes.
According to Monguno, Section 21 proposes limiting administrative expenditure to no more than 25 per cent of the annual contribution from the Nigerian Content Development Fund.
He said the provision was intended to ensure that a greater proportion of the designated funding went towards research and innovation activities rather than administration.
The proposed legislation also contains accountability provisions covering annual estimates, financial records, audits, annual reports and oversight by the National Council and a proposed Joint Ministerial Committee responsible for budget approvals.
It further outlines offences and penalties relating to the alleged diversion or misapplication of grants, failure to account for funds, submission of false information, unauthorised disclosure of information, obstruction of officials and conflicts of interest.
On intellectual property, Monguno said the bill proposed a framework for determining ownership of intellectual property arising from funded research, protecting the interests of researchers and beneficiary institutions, and facilitating technology transfer and commercialisation.
He said the fund could help develop local solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and environmental management, while creating opportunities for young Nigerians and encouraging private-sector participation and contributions from Nigerians in the diaspora.
Monguno, however, stressed the need for clear priorities, rigorous assessment of research proposals, measurable outcomes and effective monitoring of funded projects if the legislation became law.
He said the proposed fund should serve as a credible national mechanism for supporting research excellence, encouraging innovation and ensuring that funded projects delivered tangible benefits to the economy and society.
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