Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to begin preparations for the second edition of the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STICONF 2026), with a strong call for collaboration, innovation, and action-driven outcomes.
The inaugural meeting, which commenced at 11:03 a.m. at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase II, Central Business District, Abuja, brought together representatives from more than twenty-three government agencies and the private sector.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Philip Ndiomu Ibioge, highlighted the strategic importance of STICONF as a major platform for advancing science, technology and innovation across Nigeria and Africa.
He said the conference serves as an annual gathering for stakeholders in the STI ecosystem to address challenges and strengthen linkages for technology domestication. According to him, “rapid global developments since the last edition in 2024 make the 2026 conference particularly significant.”
Dr. Ibioge urged committee members to remain committed and ensure the programme delivers practical and solution-focused outcomes. He emphasized the need for broader engagement of resource persons and strong alignment with the conference theme.
The Permanent Secretary directed the committee to regularly submit progress reports to the Ministry and reaffirmed that while the Ministry has no direct funding allocated for the event, it will provide full institutional support, including stakeholder engagement and official correspondence to ensure wide participation.
While commending the initiator of the conference and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI), Mr. Isa Yusuf Sago, for the brilliant and novel initiative, he also stressed accountability and commitment on the part of members of the committee, warning that the Ministry expects the committee to deliver a successful event while pledging to deepen partnership with WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI) to strengthen the conference’s international standing.
The committee was formally declared inaugurated at the end of their remarks.
Earlier, the Overseeing Director of the Department of Science and Technology Promotion (STP) of the Ministry, who isalso the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Dr. Victor Fadipe described STICONF as a key platform for promoting science culture and advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
He said the success of the maiden edition necessitated the second conference to consolidate gains and expand collaboration between the government and the private sector. He noted that science transcends ethnic and religious divides and called for a shift from policy discussions to practical, product-driven outcomes.
The director reaffirmed the ministry’s continued support for the conference and expressed optimism for a stronger science culture across the country.
Speaking on behalf of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative, Mr. Isa Yusuf Sago thanked the Ministry for its consistent support, noting that STICONF was created to drive urgent action in science, technology, and innovation.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening the link between research institutions and industry, stating that national development depends on local technology driving the manufacturing sector.
Mr. Sago urged committee members to remain committed, describing the conference as central to Nigeria’s industrialisation and STI development.
The inauguration marks the formal start of preparations for STICONF 2026, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the conference will strengthen collaboration and drive practical innovation outcomes for national development.
