The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North-West zone of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, marking a renewed drive to strengthen industrial growth and promote economic self-reliance.
The programme, led by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, is aimed at closing the long-standing gap between research outputs and their successful transformation into market-ready solutions.
Speaking at the launch in Kano, Mrs Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s strong creative and entrepreneurial potential, noting that while the country continues to produce world-class ideas across sectors such as fintech and enterprise, many of these innovations struggle to progress beyond the conceptual stage.
She stressed the need to create a more supportive environment where ideas are not only generated but properly nurtured, funded, and developed into sustainable ventures.
“What we must do now is bridge that gap by building an enabling environment where ideas are supported, talent is nurtured, and innovation is given the platform it needs to thrive,” she said.
She also described the ECoN initiative as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to reposition Nigeria from a consumer of ideas to a country that actively builds, scales, and exports innovation.
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The initiative is anchored on several strategic pillars.
One of its key focuses is commercialisation, which involves converting research and innovation into viable economic products and services.
It also prioritises job creation by expanding opportunities through entrepreneurship and the development of local enterprises.
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Inclusivity forms another core pillar, with a strong emphasis on placing women and young people at the centre of innovation and economic participation.
National development
Ultimately, the initiative is aimed at driving economic growth by strengthening industrial capacity to support broader national development.
Mrs Tinubu commended the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for driving the initiative forward.
Governors Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, alongside Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, also praised the project, describing it as a significant step towards positioning Nigeria as a leader in science and technology.
In a related development, she joined Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to flag off a major infrastructure project—the 118km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Road in Kano City.
The road project, which is expected to be delivered within 14 months, is scheduled for completion by April 2026.
It is projected to serve as a key transport corridor that will enhance commercial activity and improve connectivity within the state.
Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity depends on ensuring that innovation is accessible and inclusive across all regions and communities.
She noted that when creativity is properly harnessed and supported, it has the power to drive both economic growth and national stability.
