RISA Fund closes out in Nigeria with strong potential for local partnerships

By Sola Ogundipe

A new era of  demand- driven innovation is transforming  Nigeria's agric  and food security landscape, through the  Research and Innovation Systems for Africa - Knowledge and Commercialisation Cohort (RISA-KCC) project.

A strategic initiative funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),  the  RISA Fund Nigeria project was implemented by Adam Smith International.

At the close-out event  in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Systems, Showcasing Impact & Building Sustainable Partnerships”  following the conclusion of a three-year implementation in Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Abass, the National Technical Advisor on the RISA-KCC project, described the impact as nothing short of amazing.

"We found an ecosystem that was ready to move but lacked coordination. In just over three years, we have triggered catalytic changes by bringing government-funded research institutions, fabricators, processors, and farmers into one room.

"The centerpiece of this success is the creation of the Coalition of Stakeholders in Agricultural Mechanisation  (CONESAM). This coalition has broken down the 'silos' that previously hindered progress, bringing together agencies like the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), FIIRO, and NISPRI to work alongside regulators like NAFDAC, SMEDAN, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).”

Further, Abass stated that  the project's philosophy was that  research should solve problems, not just satisfy curiosity.  At least 35 agricultural technologies ranging from completely new inventions to vital iterations of existing tools were involved.

 "For the first time, regulators like SON provided specific guidelines during the development phase, ensuring that Nigerian-made machines meet international standards for commercialisation.

"We are moving research from ideation to commercialisation. Our institutions will no longer address research from a point of enthusiasm, but through a demand-based approach."

Also speaking during the close-out session, Chisom Udemezue, the Technology and Innovation Adviser with  FCDO-Nigeria, said the conversation has shifted from funding  to future-proofing.

“The success of the project isn't measured by the money spent, but by the systems left behind that no longer need external aid to thrive.

“By strengthening the links between government, industry, and academia, RISA has moved Nigerian research out of dusty laboratory files and onto commercial shelves.

"Strong research and innovation enable growth.  We wanted to ensure Nigeria doesn't just have research capabilities, but the ability to scale those ideas into actual products that create businesses.

"Through the CONESAM coalition, local manufacturers who once worked from head knowledge are now using digital tools to build standardized, high-quality machinery,” Udemezue remarked.

On her part, Professor  Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, a Professor of Electrical & Electronics Engineering at the University of Lagos, said  RISA is transforming Nigerian universities into innovation hubs.

“For decades, the traditional path for a brilliant Nigerian engineering graduate was often a one-way ticket abroad, now,  in Unilag and 13 other institutions a quiet revolution is turning Japa into a startup.

“Through the Innovation to Market project, Nigerian universities are no longer just teaching theory; they are building the infrastructure to turn students' ideas into profitable businesses.