Nigeria is intensifying its push toward a technology-driven future with an announced new N12 billion investment plan to research the digital economy. The initiative, announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, looks forward to positioning Nigeria as the leader in driving digital transformation across Africa.
He made this known while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) in Abuja, disclosing that the fund would be channeled into three major research clusters involving six universities each.
“Currently, we are assembling about N12 billion to fund further research projects that are targeted at the digital economy,” Tijani said, adding that the clusters will focus on artificial intelligence, connectivity, and digital skills and literacy.
Driving Innovation Through Research
Dr. Tijani added that the new clusters were a sequel to the government’s efforts since ICEGOV 2024, when over 55 digital research projects were funded. He said the current phase would deepen the collaboration between academia, industry, and government in driving innovation across Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem.
He noted that it was not a mere show by the government of Nigeria, adding that the initiative was to strengthen the research capacity with a view to ensuring that citizens benefited directly from technological progress.
He also reiterated that digital technologies are now central to human progress and that sustainable development could not be achieved without embracing them. According to the minister, Nigeria’s strong participation in ICEGOV 2024 earned her the hosting right for the 2025 edition.
Global Cooperation on Digital Governance
Organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency, the conference, which is themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” brings together experts in the field, policy and technology leaders to discuss ways through which digital governance can be inclusive and sustainable.
The chair of the ICEGOV Steering Committee, Ms. Elsa Estevez, emphasized the importance of collaboration in navigating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
“In the past years, we were profoundly affected by digitally driven innovations, and we often adapt them without much reflection,” said Estevez. She warned that governments should now actively engage citizens in shaping policies, take responsibility in regulating digital spaces, and encourage ethical use of technology.
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