Abuja, 7 October 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. Nnaji, who was appointed to the position in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter dated today, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria while claiming to be the victim of blackmail by political opponents.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji maintained his innocence, stating that the accusations were part of a concerted effort by rivals to tarnish his reputation. “I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,” he wrote, according to the official statement released by the presidency. Despite the claims, Nnaji chose to step down to prevent further distractions to the government’s agenda.
President Tinubu, in response, thanked Nnaji for his contributions during his time in office and wished him well in future endeavours. The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasised the administration’s commitment to accountability.
Nnaji’s resignation comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s innovation sector, which has been pivotal in advancing the country’s digital economy and scientific initiatives. His departure has sparked speculation about a potential replacement and the continuity of ongoing reforms. Political analysts suggest that this move reflects increasing scrutiny on public officials’ credentials in Nigeria, where similar scandals have plagued administrations in the past.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, under Nnaji’s leadership, focused on fostering technological advancement and research. However, the allegations have overshadowed these efforts.
As of now, no formal charges have been brought against Nnaji, and the presidency has not elaborated further on the specifics of the allegations. Stakeholders in the sector are awaiting announcements on interim leadership to ensure minimal disruption to key projects.
This development has also ignited discussions on social media platforms, with users expressing mixed reactions ranging from support for accountability to concerns over political witch-hunts. The full impact on President Tinubu’s cabinet remains to be seen, but it underscores the challenges of maintaining public trust in governance.
