The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, has described the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) as a strategic hub and critical anchor for the forthcoming Science and Technology City, commending the Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, PhD, mni, for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning the Complex as a leading national platform for scientific research, technological innovation and industrial development.Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad made the remarks during his familiarization tour of SHESTCO, where he inspected key facilities and engaged with the management and staff of the Centre on ways of strengthening its contribution to Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.The Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction with the enormous potential of SHESTCO, noting that its strategic location, existing infrastructure, research facilities and pool of professionals place it in a unique position to serve as a major hub for the proposed Science and Technology City.According to him, the vision of establishing a Science and Technology City represents an important step towards creating an integrated ecosystem where research institutions, universities, technology companies, innovators, entrepreneurs and industries can collaborate to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions and economic opportunities.He emphasized that SHESTCO must be positioned to play a central role in this emerging ecosystem, particularly in the areas of research and development, technology transfer, innovation, capacity building and commercialization of research outputs.Dr. Muhammad also commended the management of SHESTCO under the leadership of Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, describing the Director-General as an excellent political leader, committed administrator and visionary leader whose experience, energy and determination have contributed significantly to the renewed focus on the Complex's mandate.He lauded the DG for demonstrating strong leadership in mobilizing the Centre's human and material resources towards achieving measurable results, stressing that institutions such as SHESTCO require purposeful leadership to unlock their full potential.The Permanent Secretary further encouraged the management and staff of SHESTCO to sustain the momentum and embrace greater collaboration with relevant government agencies, universities, research institutions and the private sector.Earlier, the Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Engr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, PhD, mni, welcomed the Permanent Secretary and his delegation, expressing appreciation for the visit and the Federal Ministry's continued support for the Complex.Hon. Magaji stated that the familiarization tour provided an opportunity to showcase SHESTCO's capabilities, ongoing programmes and strategic opportunities while also discussing areas requiring government intervention and support.He reaffirmed the commitment of the management to reposition SHESTCO as a world-class centre of excellence in science and technology, capable of supporting Nigeria's aspirations for technological self-reliance, industrialization and sustainable economic development.The DG stressed that SHESTCO's transformation agenda is anchored on strengthening research and development, promoting innovation, improving infrastructure, developing human capacity and building strategic partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to the Nigerian economy.

He expressed optimism that the proposed Science and Technology City would provide an unprecedented opportunity to integrate Nigeria's scientific and technological resources and create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial development. The familiarization tour featured an inspection of selected facilities and engagements with senior management and staff of SHESTCO, with discussions focusing on the Centre's mandate, achievements, challenges, ongoing projects and future development plans. The visit ended with renewed commitment from both the Federal Ministry and SHESTCO management to deepen collaboration and pursue initiatives capable of placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of Nigeria's national development agenda.eSigned: Akubo Augustine, aniprHead, Information and Public Relations Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) Abuja