Nigeria to Boost Digital Transformation with N12bn Research Investment

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest N12 billion in digital economy research projects, aiming to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and ensure the country fully benefits from emerging technologies.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed this during the opening ceremony of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) in Abuja on Tuesday. The conference, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), carried the theme: “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion.”

Tijani highlighted that platforms like ICEGOV allow nations to explore new technologies while aligning them with effective policies that address societal needs. Nigeria’s successful participation in the 2024 edition underscored the importance of deepening research in the digital economy and earned the country the right to host the 2025 conference.

“The Nigerian government is not just doing this for show. Immediately after last year’s ICEGOV, we funded over 55 research projects. Currently, we are allocating about N12 billion to fund further research focusing on the digital economy,” Tijani said.

He explained that three research clusters are being established across six universities each: one cluster focusing on artificial intelligence, another on national connectivity, and a third on digital skills and literacy, addressing the needs of Nigeria’s large population.

Tijani stressed that digital technologies are central to modern society and should not only be seen as economic tools but also as instruments for governance and societal development.

Also speaking, Elsa Estevez, Chair of the ICEGOV Steering Committee, emphasized the need for human-centered technological innovations and international collaboration to address risks such as misinformation, fake news, and political manipulation.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, disclosed that digital literacy will be integrated into the national school curriculum by 2026 to equip Nigeria’s youthful population with the necessary skills for the digital economy. He also noted ongoing initiatives to enhance digital skills among public servants to improve service delivery.

Tijani added that the National Digital Economy Bill, introduced in 2024, is set to return to the National Assembly for further readings. The bill aims to establish a robust legal framework covering electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, promoting safe and inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital transformation.