The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has deepened scientific collaboration with the Republic of Cuba following a high-level meeting between Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji and the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, served as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding signed during Minister Nnaji’s official visit to Cuba alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima. Both countries agreed that the time had come to translate the agreement into tangible projects and outcomes.
“This meeting was more than a diplomatic courtesy it was a strategic alignment between two resilient nations committed to building the future through science, technology, and innovation,” the Minister stated.
Nigeria is particularly interested in Cuba’s globally recognised expertise in biotechnology, public healthcare, and education sectors in which it has made significant advances. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is pursuing a similar path through local manufacturing, youth-driven enterprise, and research-based innovation.
Discussions centred on priority areas of cooperation, including:
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Biotechnology research and development (R&D)
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Joint vaccine production
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Medical diagnostics and device innovation
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Climate-smart agriculture and biofertiliser development
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Renewable energy and environmental technologies
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STEM collaboration and twinning programmes
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Technology incubation and innovation fellowships
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The Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Mustapha Abdullahi, briefed the delegation on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in vaccine development and appealed for technical collaboration from Cuba. In response, Ambassador Palmero assured the Ministry of Cuba’s full commitment to partnering with Nigeria in this and other key areas.
Minister Nnaji has directed NABDA to prepare detailed proposals, particularly on vaccine production, for onward submission to the Presidency for further engagement.
As part of the next steps, Nigeria and Cuba are set to establish a Nigeria–Cuba Innovation and Biotechnology Working Group, as well as organise a Bilateral Science and Technology Summit within the coming year.
“This visit reaffirmed our belief that partnerships grounded in shared values and visionary goals can unlock transformative progress,” Nnaji concluded.
