The Delta-2 Project is a bilateral collaboration by the Federal Government of Nigeria through NASENI-PICTT and the Czech Republic through the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) targeting submissions from innovators, technology entrepreneurs and researchers in Nigeria across mining, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, science and engineering, etc.

The 1st Call for Proposals under the Delta-2 programme was launched in the year 2022, following which grants were disbursed by NASENI to winners of the approved projects to scale up their enterprises.

Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), described Delta-2 Project as a major driver of innovation, economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria, saying it is aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s technological growth through international collaboration.

 “The DELTA-2 Programme is a catalyst for job creation, enhanced productivity and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It will help reduce dependence on imports while boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness,” he stated.

He highlighted the achievements of the previous call for proposals launched in May 2022, which attracted 285 submissions from Nigerian researchers and companies, out of which 25 projects were funded in 2023, which has resulted in innovative products and services across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic sectors which have already created jobs, built capacity and advanced technology transfer.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, noted that DELTA-2 had the potential to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem adding that the decision is already yielding results.

“Today, we can point to the stories of 12 beneficiaries from the First Call, Nigerians who are working on diverse projects across our country.

“From renewable energy solutions to advanced materials, from agricultural technologies to manufacturing innovations, these projects testify to the power of applied research to solve real problems, create jobs, and deliver products and services that meet the needs of our people”, he remarked.

Halilu noted that what makes DELTA 2 unique is its focus on outcomes. “It is not research for the sake of research, it is research with purpose and market in mind. It is research that leads to new knowledge, new skills and new products.

It is research that bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace, between ideas and impact.

“It is also a bridge between nations, between Czech enterprises and Nigerian innovators, between European expertise and African creativity. Together, we are building partnerships that accelerate progress, foster mutual respect and infinite possibilities for both our countries”, he emphasized.

The NASENI boss further  stated that DELTA-2 projects being supported by NASENI will respond not only to the current needs of the society, but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, from climate change to digital transformation.

Therefore, he called on researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria to make use of the opportunity once again.

In his remarks, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said:

“The theme is clear, it is to generate research outcomes that will lead to new products, new processes, apply results that directly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, create jobs and open new markets at home and abroad”.

He noted that the Delta-2 Projects priority areas range from agriculture and food technology, renewable energy, mining and industrial development, health and health technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital mobility, climate technology and defence innovations which aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Let me emphasize, this is not research for shelves. This is research for impact. Every funded project must deliver tangible, scalable and commercially viable outcomes that respond to Nigeria’s real challenges and opportunities”. He called on Nigerian researchers, companies and innovators to seize this opportunity to build a greater Nigeria through innovation and technology transfer.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the initiative reflects the visionary leadership of President Tinubu’s administration in encouraging fresh ideas and innovations that can move the country forward.

“This is another day of success and progress for Nigeria. It shows how much we have achieved in technology and innovation as a nation,” she remarked.

She praised NASENI’s leadership under Halilu for advancing Nigeria’s science, innovation, and technology agenda, while appealing for a similar project to be extended to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Also speaking, Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, special assistant to the President on Trade, Investment and Industry, commended NASENI and PICTT for aligning their efforts with President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda, emphasizing that technology transfer is central to achieving industrialization.

“We must strengthen our industrial capacity to attract both global and domestic investments and to compete strongly on the global stage,” he added.

The women, who returned to Nigeria through the intervention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), were officially received on Friday, 25^th of April at the NiDCOM office in Agidingbi, Lagos.

As part of efforts to support the returnees in reconnecting with their families, Airtel Nigeria donated SIM cards, each preloaded with airtime and data. This initiative is to enable the beneficiaries to re-establish contact with their families and loved ones while accessing vital information and support services.

Speaking on the intervention, Femi Adeniran, director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria,  reaffirmed Airtel`s commitment to giving back to the community.

“We are humbled to contribute to this safe reintegration effort by providing SIMs, airtime, and data to help them reconnect with their loved ones and rebuild. We commend NiDCOM for its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians everywhere, and we are proud to play a small part in this noble effort.” He said.

Receiving the returnees, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), commended Airtel Nigeria and other key stakeholders for supporting the rescued victims.

“You are being received on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The President cares about you and every Nigerian, regardless of where you reside.

Hold your heads high. For those who want to return to school or learn a trade, support will be provided through your state governments,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She further thanked Airtel Nigeria for providing starter packs to the returnees, emphasizing that collaborative efforts like these are crucial in giving rescued victims a fresh start and a chance to rebuild their lives.

The returnees, many of whom faced traumatic experiences while in Ghana, were welcomed with preliminary orientation and offered crucial assistance to begin their reintegration into Nigerian society.

Recall that NIDCOM had earlier in the month stated that the number of girls rescued from Ghana was about 200.

The Comptroller General announced this on Tuesday when she paid a courtesy call on Abike Dabiri-Erewa chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.

“This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” she stated.

Nandap reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.

She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.

She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.

Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.

The Comptroller General said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior, has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.

She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.

Responding to the cheering news, the chairman/CEO of NiDCOM commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.

“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.

She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.

Mr. Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, issued a statement in Abuja requesting collaboration with NiDCOM management on the Diaspora pension verification process.

Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Commission’s Chairman, stated that NiDCOM was ready to disseminate the information to the Nigerian Diaspora community.

“We will ensure to work with you and reach out to the Nigerian Diaspora to get them to key into this strategic initiative of the government,” she said.

Earlier, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary, PTAD, led a courtesy visit to NiDCOM with a delegation of the agency’s management.
Ejikeme stated that PTAD was determined to eliminate pension-related irregularities through the use of technology.

“With the introduction of computation software, we are now able to do automatic transmission of pensions.” “This has helped to eliminate ghost members and regulate the system,” said Ejikeme.

The executive secretary stated that the irregularities necessitated the verification of all eligible Nigerians, which PTAD was able to do across the six geopolitical zones.

She stated that the agency was aware of some qualified Nigerians who had worked and retired before June 2007 but were now living outside the country’s borders.

“This category of pensioners can be verified through the Diaspora Pension Verification Process, which requires them to get a certificate of aliveness from the Nigerian mission in their country of residence.

“This verification process will enable them to get captured on the payroll system and get access to their entitled pension,” she explained.