The Federal Government has announced plans to invest approximately N12 billion in research projects aimed at boosting Nigeria’s digital economy and strengthening its position in the global technology landscape. The move is intended to ensure that the country fully leverages the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, revealed the plan in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), hosted by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

According to Tijani, the funds will support three major research clusters, each involving six universities across the country.

“The Nigerian government is not just doing this as a show. Following ICEGOV last year, we funded over 55 research projects. At the moment, we are putting together about N12 billion to fund further research projects focused on the digital economy,” he said.

The Minister outlined the areas of focus for the research clusters:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Developing AI solutions tailored to national needs.
• Connectivity: Addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure and access gaps, a critical challenge for the nation.
• Digital Skills and Literacy: Enhancing Nigeria’s human capital to match the country’s growing population.

“These initiatives will deepen Nigeria’s research capacity and provide a strong foundation for inclusive digital development,” Tijani added, stressing that digital technologies are now central to human progress.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s strong participation in the 2024 ICEGOV conference, which earned the country the right to host the 2025 edition.

Ms. Elsa Estevez, Chair of the ICEGOV Steering Committee, called for global partnerships to manage the impact of artificial intelligence and other digital innovations responsibly. “Technological innovation must remain people-centred and ethical,” she said, urging governments to actively involve citizens in shaping public policy and countering misinformation through education and sound information ethics.

Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, revealed plans to integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s school curriculum starting next year as part of the government’s broader Knowledge Policy and Digital Literacy Framework. “In Africa, we have a very young population. Our citizens are digitally native and online, so governments need to meet them where they are,” he said.

With this strategic investment, Nigeria aims to position itself as a leading digital economy in Africa while empowering its citizens with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.