Nigeria Seeks Stronger Ties with Cuba In Science, Tech, Innovation
Nigeria is set to deepen its collaboration with Cuba in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), as both nations explore new opportunities in biotechnology, health innovation, and technical education.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, made this known when he received the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Miriam Morales Palmero, and her delegation in Abuja.
Chief Nnaji praised Cuba’s global reputation in STI, noting that its resilience and technological progress offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. He emphasised that the Tinubu-led administration is committed to building an innovation-driven, self-reliant economy and sees Cuba as a key partner in that journey.
“Nigeria and Cuba share a long-standing friendship,” the Minister said. “We’re ready to expand that relationship through impactful cooperation in areas like renewable energy, STEM education, vaccine development, and agricultural biotechnology.”
He also expressed gratitude for Cuba’s past support in training Nigerian doctors and offering scholarships, adding that such efforts will be scaled up in the coming months.
Ambassador Palmero reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria and invited the Ministry to participate in the upcoming International Convention on Environmental Development in Havana this July.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBDA), Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, highlighted ongoing collaboration with Cuba in vaccine production, calling for swift action amid growing concerns about potential new global health threats.
With both countries on the same page, the future looks promising for Nigeria-Cuba scientific cooperation.
