FG Launches N12bn Research Fund to Drive Digital Economy Growth

 FG Launches N12bn Research Fund to Drive Digital Economy Growth

The Federal Government has introduced a N12 billion Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at strengthening policy formulation and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through data-driven insights.

The initiative was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in a statement released on Saturday, where he also unveiled a call for expressions of interest for the newly established National Digital Economy Research Clusters.

According to the minister, the funding scheme is designed to position research, innovation, and evidence at the core of Nigeria’s digital development strategy. He noted that the initiative seeks to address longstanding gaps where policy decisions have often been influenced more by market trends and political considerations than by rigorous academic research and long-term planning.

Tijani explained that the programme is being financed under Project BRIDGE, a flagship federal initiative focused on deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and support a modern digital ecosystem.

He emphasized that as the government continues to expand digital infrastructure nationwide, it is critical to ensure that such investments translate into inclusive growth through well-informed, research-backed policies.

Under the scheme, six specialised research clusters will be created to focus on key areas 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 employment, online trust and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The clusters are expected to be led by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners. More than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and doctoral candidates, will participate in generating policy-relevant insights to guide national development.

Tijani described the initiative as one of the most impactful programmes of the ministry, stressing that its objective extends beyond academic output to shaping stronger institutions and fostering long-term national prosperity.

He added that countries that lead in the global digital space are not only those that invest in infrastructure but also those that cultivate ideas and innovation ecosystems capable of sustaining progress beyond political cycles.

The ministry has invited universities and research institutions across the country to review the Terms of Reference accompanying the expression of interest and submit proposals either to lead or collaborate within the research clusters.

Further engagement with stakeholders, including vice-chancellors and research leaders, is expected at a press conference scheduled for the coming week.