The Federal Government has introduced a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund as part of efforts to promote research-driven policymaking and support Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation goals.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, made this known in a statement released on Saturday, where he also announced the call for expressions 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 N12bn research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” the minister said.
He explained that the initiative is financed through Project BRIDGE, a federal programme aimed at rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country to enhance connectivity and support a modern digital economy.
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“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 said.
Tijani stressed that as digital infrastructure expands nationwide, it is crucial to adopt research-based strategies that ensure inclusive benefits for all citizens.
“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 added.
He further noted that many digital policy decisions are often influenced more by market trends and political considerations than by in-depth 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 statement said.
The initiative will establish six national research clusters focusing on major areas of the digital economy, such as connectivity and usage, digital public infrastructure and government services, digital skills development, job creation, online trust and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
These clusters will be coordinated by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities, in collaboration with international academic partners. Over 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD students, are expected to contribute to producing policy-relevant insights.
“For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society,” the minister said.
Describing the programme as one of the ministry’s most impactful initiatives, Tijani said it is designed to generate ideas that will endure beyond any single administration.
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“Because nations that lead the future are not simply those that deploy infrastructure; they are the ones that cultivate ideas,” he said.
The ministry has called on interested academic and research institutions to review the Terms of Reference released alongside the expression of interest and submit proposals to either lead or partner within the research clusters.
It also announced plans to hold a press conference in the coming week to provide further details and engage vice-chancellors and research institutions nationwide.
