The Federal Government has finalised plans to launch a N12-billion Digital Economy Research Fund as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation agenda.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this over the weekend, noting that the initiative is designed to promote evidence-based policymaking and reshape the country’s digital economic outlook.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Tijani expressed enthusiasm about the programme, announcing the call for Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters.
“Today, my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a N12-billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” he said.
The fund will be implemented under Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country to expand connectivity and power a modern digital economy.
Tijani explained that as Nigeria scales up its digital infrastructure, there is a growing need for research-driven strategies to ensure inclusive and sustainable benefits.
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage, thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are required to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment,” he added.
He also observed that digital policies are often influenced by market trends and political cycles rather than grounded research and long-term planning.
According to the minister, the initiative will establish six national research clusters focused on critical areas such as connectivity and meaningful use, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, online trust, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
The clusters will be led by 36 professors from Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners, supported by over 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates.
Tijani emphasised that the programme’s ultimate goal goes beyond academic output, stressing the importance of shaping policies that strengthen institutions and drive national prosperity.
“We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society,” he said.
He described the initiative as one of the ministry’s most impactful programmes, adding that it is designed to generate ideas that will outlast any single administration.
“Countries that lead the future are not just those that build infrastructure, but those that cultivate ideas,” Tijani stated.
