FG unveils N12 billion digital economy research fund
The federal government at the weekend announced that arrangements have been concluded to unveil a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund in support of Nigeria‘s long-term digital transformation agenda. The Minister
- From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
The federal government at the weekend announced that arrangements have been concluded to unveil a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund in support of Nigeria's long-term digital transformation agenda.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who made the announcement, said it was aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking for the country's digital economic outlook.
“Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a N12bn research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the center of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” the minister said in a statement.
He said the programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and enable a modern digital economy.
“This programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, our initiative to deploy 90,000km of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and enable a modern digital economy,” Tijani added.
He explained that as the government expands digital infrastructure nationwide, research-backed approaches are required to ensure inclusive benefits.
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage, thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment,” he said.
He noted that digital policy decisions are often shaped by market forces and political cycles rather than rigorous research and long-term thinking.
“Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” he said.
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According to him, under the initiative, six national research clusters will be established across key pillars of the digital economy, including connectivity and meaningful use; digital public infrastructure and government services; digital skills and human capital development; digital economy and jobs; online trust and consumer protection; as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
He said the clusters will be led by up to 36 professors drawn from Nigerian universities, working alongside international academic partners, with more than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, expected to generate policy-relevant research.
“For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society,” Dr Tijani said.
He described the initiative as one of the ministry’s most meaningful programmes, noting that it is intended to produce ideas that will outlast any single administration.
“Because nations that lead the future are not simply those that deploy infrastructure; they are the ones that cultivate ideas,” he stated.
