The Physical and Life Sciences  Department is to apply scientific and Technological tools to enunciate, analyze, coordinate and monitor appropriate R & D policies, action plans and programmes as well as linkages aimed at adequate exploitation of the biological, earth and physical systems for the benefit of the Nigerian populace and the global community. 

This Department shall develop appropriate policies, guidelines and programmes to facilitate the commercialization of advanced technology in Agriculture, Space, Energy, Environment, Industry, Medicine, Pharmacy and other entrepreneurial endeavours

• Formulation of appropriate policies in the Physical and Life Sciences.
• Formulation of appropriate policies on IPR, Sui-Generis, Quality Assurance and Traditional knowledge Systems for the enhancement of the social-economic status of the indigenous communities.
• Monitoring and Coordination of R & D findings in Space Technology.
• Monitoring and Coordination of R & D findings in Earth Sciences
• Monitoring and Coordination of R & D findings in Bioresources
• Monitoring and Coordination of R & D findings in Health Sciences
• Monitoring and Coordination of R & D findings in Natural Medicine and Traditional knowledge systems.
• Formulation and Promotion of appropriate guidelines on conservation, utilization, development and commercialization of Bioresources.
• Active participation in international protocols and conventions ratified by Nigeria
• Promote, encourage and monitor the local production of drugs, vaccines and biological.
• Collaboration with local and international Agencies/Bodies in the implementation and execution of the Department’s mandates.
• Monitoring and Coordination of programmes and activities of parastatals under the purview of the Department viz; SHESTCO, NABDA, NASRDA, NNMDA and NITR.
• Organization and Participation in international and local workshops, seminars, meetings, technical forum etc. 

The Department supervises the following Parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and also coordinates their policies alongside programmes implementation;

1. National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and their Centers, namely:-
   
   
   • Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) Abuja;
   • National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS)  Jos;
   • Centre for Geodesy ad Geodynamics, (CGG) Toro, Bauchi State
   • Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion (CSTP) Epe, Lagos state;
   • Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS) at University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and
   • African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology  Education, (ARCSSTE-E) Ile-Ife. 
     
     
2. National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and its zonal Centers as follows:
   
   
   • Bioresources Development Center (BIODEC) Odi, Bayelsa State;
   • Biotechnology Center,  Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (North-West);
   • Biotechnology Center, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (North-East);
   • Biotechnology Center, University of Jos, Jos (North-Central);
   • Biotechnology Center of University of Ibadan, Ibadan (South West)
   • Biotechnology Center, University of Nsukka (South-East);
   • Biotechnology Center, University of Port Harcourt (South-South); and
   •  National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) Ibadan.
     
     
3. Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO)
   
   
4. Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (NITR) Kaduna
   
   
5. The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA)