The Federal Government has unveiled a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and supporting Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation agenda.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday while announcing the launch of an Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters.
According to the minister, the research funding scheme is designed to place ideas, research, and data-driven insights at the centre of Nigeria’s digital development strategy.
“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 centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” Tijani said.
The programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative that aims to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre 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,” he added.
Tijani noted that as the government expands digital infrastructure nationwide, there is a need for research-backed approaches to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are inclusive and sustainable.
“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 also observed that digital policy decisions are often shaped by market forces and political cycles rather than rigorous academic research and long-term planning.
“Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the minister stated.
Under the initiative, six national research clusters will be created across major pillars of the digital economy. These include 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.
The clusters will be led by up to 36 professors drawn from Nigerian universities, working alongside international academic partners. More than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, are expected to participate in generating 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,” Tijani said.
He described the initiative as one of the ministry’s most significant programmes, noting that it is intended to produce ideas and insights 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 added.
The ministry invited academic and research institutions interested in participating to review the Terms of Reference released alongside the Expression of Interest and submit proposals to lead or collaborate within the national research clusters.
It also announced plans to hold a press conference in the coming week to provide further details and engagement opportunities for vice-chancellors and research institutions across the country.
