By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at strengthening research-driven policymaking and accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who disclosed that the initiative will support research institutions and experts working on Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The fund, which forms part of the government’s broader technology development strategy, will support the creation of National Digital Economy Research Clusters.
According to Tijani, the programme is designed to place research, data, and innovative ideas at the centre of Nigeria’s digital policy decisions.
The initiative is being financed under Project BRIDGE, a federal project designed to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
Explaining the purpose of the programme, Tijani said the government believes that evidence-based research is essential for shaping policies that will support Nigeria’s long-term digital growth.
He noted that digital policy decisions are often influenced by market trends and political cycles rather than rigorous academic research.
Under the new initiative, six national research clusters will focus on key sectors 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 job creation, online trust and consumer protection, and artificial intelligence with emerging technologies.
The minister revealed that the clusters will be led by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities, working alongside international academic partners.
In addition, more than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, are expected to contribute to policy-focused research that will guide Nigeria’s digital economy strategy.
Tijani emphasised that the goal of the programme goes beyond producing academic papers.
According to him, the initiative aims to generate practical policy solutions capable of strengthening national institutions and boosting economic prosperity.
The ministry has therefore invited universities, research institutes, and academic institutions interested in participating to submit proposals for the research clusters.
Further details about the programme are expected to be shared during a press conference scheduled for the coming week.
