The Federal Government has unveiled a N12 billion investment in digital economy research, marking a significant shift toward knowledge-driven growth as Nigeria seeks to consolidate its position in the global digital landscape.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) project.
The initiative brings together over 200 researchers drawn from universities and research institutions across the country, in a coordinated effort to generate data-driven solutions for national development challenges.
Tijani described the programme as a critical complement to ongoing infrastructure expansion, including the government’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide. He stressed that while infrastructure remains vital, sustainable growth in the sector depends on robust research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
“As Nigeria expands its digital economy, attention is shifting from infrastructure to the knowledge that drives it,” he said, noting that the sector is increasingly becoming a major contributor to the nation’s GDP.
The newly launched research clusters will focus on key areas such as connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, online safety, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
According to the minister, the initiative is designed not only to strengthen Nigeria’s research capacity but also to ensure that local insights shape policy decisions and technological adoption.
The Federal Ministry of Education is partnering on the project to align academic research with national priorities and enhance advanced training. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, emphasised the role of universities as hubs of innovation and problem-solving, rather than mere centres of learning.
The BRIDGE project forms part of a broader strategy by the government to deepen digital inclusion, stimulate economic growth, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Analysts say the success of the initiative will depend largely on how effectively research outputs are translated into actionable policies and implemented across sectors.
For the government, however, the direction is unmistakable: building a resilient digital economy requires not only infrastructure, but also the intelligence and insight to drive it.
