Reps Fume as Ministers Skip Crucial Research Fund Bill Session

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology has issued a stern warning, threatening to formally report the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, to the full House. This action stems from his failure to attend a public hearing concerning a proposed bill to establish a National Research and Innovation Development Fund. The committee expressed strong disapproval of the absence of both the minister and his ministry's Permanent Secretary, labeling it unacceptable, especially given that the executive arm, led by President Bola Tinubu, sponsored and transmitted the legislation to the National Assembly.

The committee cautioned that the ministry's non-participation in this vital legislative process could lead to delays in the bill's passage. Such delays, they noted, would hinder Nigeria's ability to attract crucial research grants from international development partners, various donor agencies, United Nations bodies, and even Nigerians residing abroad. Chaired by Zakariya Zannah, the committee indicated its readiness to move a motion of urgent public importance at the House's next sitting if Minister Udeh and the Permanent Secretary do not appear before them.

This threat was made after the minister and other invited cabinet members failed to show up for the public hearing on the proposed law, which aims to create both the National Research and Innovation Development Fund and a National Council on Research and Innovation. Speaking on behalf of the committee, Ahmed Jaha, who represents the Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno State, characterized the ministry's absence as an act of sabotage against the collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Jaha articulated his bewilderment, stating it was incomprehensible why a ministry whose core responsibilities directly relate to an executive-sponsored bill would choose not to engage in its consideration. He elaborated that the proposed Fund is designed to offer a structured financing framework for research institutions nationwide, thereby enabling Nigeria to secure grants from global organizations, development partners, and its diaspora community. According to Jaha, similar funding models have significantly propelled research and innovation in many countries, making Nigeria's proposed framework long overdue.

“Unfortunately, some members of the executive are by extension sabotaging this relationship. The reason why I call it sabotage is that I see no reason whereby the executive can present a bill to the House for consideration, and that bill has national importance, but the ministry responsible for it will not show up,” Jaha stated.

The lawmaker revealed that the committee had extended invitations to several ministers, including those from Justice, Innovation, Science and Technology, Education, Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Livestock Development, and Industry, Trade and Investment, along with other key stakeholders, to contribute to the bill's deliberation. However, not a single invited minister attended the session. Jaha highlighted the committee's particular concern regarding Minister Udeh’s absence, emphasizing that either the minister or, at the very least, the Permanent Secretary should have appeared before the lawmakers.

“We are not averse to the Ministry of Justice and other ministries that are not directly linked to the bill. But our concern this time around is the Ministry of Science and Technology. If any minister may not have time to attend, they may end up sending representatives. But the Minister of Science and Technology himself, who is more or less the sponsor of the bill, or in a worst-case scenario, the Permanent Secretary, must show up,” he reiterated.

Jaha further expressed dismay that an international stakeholder, who travelled from Kenya, honoured the committee's invitation, while the ministry directly responsible for the subject matter failed to participate. He referenced the African Technology Policy Studies Network, whose representative reportedly informed the committee that numerous member countries have already established national research and innovation funds, a framework Nigeria, despite its substantial research potential, has yet to implement.

The committee has granted Minister Udeh and the Permanent Secretary another chance to appear before the public hearing concludes. However, Jaha warned that their continued absence would force the committee to escalate the matter to the entire House, a move intended to draw attention to the ministry’s conduct and the potential negative consequences of its failure to participate in the consideration of the proposed legislation. “With this attitude, they will end up delaying the bill. Maybe Mr President is trying to expedite the process of establishing this agency so that Nigeria can benefit from research grants from donor agencies, the diaspora, international communities, UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations willing to fund research,” he added.