Nigeria is stepping up efforts to drive its digital economy with the unveiling of a N12 billion Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and supporting long-term transformation.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the initiative while opening applications for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters.
He said the programme is designed to place research, data, and innovation at the centre of Nigeria’s digital policy direction.
According to the minister, the fund is backed by Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative focused on deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide to improve connectivity and power a modern digital economy.
Tijani noted that expanding infrastructure alone is not enough, stressing the need for research-driven policies to ensure the benefits of digital investments are widely shared.
He also pointed out that many digital policies are often influenced by market trends and political cycles, rather than long-term evidence and strategic thinking.
The initiative will establish six research clusters across key areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, online trust, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
These clusters will be led by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities, working with international partners and supported by over 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates.
“For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society”, the minister said.
He added that the programme is intended to generate ideas that will have lasting impact beyond any single administration.
“Because nations that lead the future are not simply those that deploy infrastructure; they are the ones that cultivate ideas”, he said.
The ministry has invited universities and research institutions to submit proposals to lead or collaborate within the clusters, with further engagement planned through a nationwide briefing in the coming days.
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