The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has officially launched the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Dr Tijani described the programme as a significant step in positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy.
The clusters will focus on six key areas: connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, trust and safety, and artificial intelligence.
According to Tijani, the initiative is designed to expand research capacity, support evidence-based policymaking, and establish Nigeria as a major contributor to shaping the future of the global digital economy.
“We cannot rely only on ideas developed elsewhere. We must generate our own insights, rooted in our realities. That is how we build better policy and position Nigeria as a serious partner for global investment,” he said.
He highlighted the sector’s growth, noting that the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has risen from 16% to nearly 20%, with a target of reaching 21% under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Tijani stressed that universities will play a central role in generating locally relevant solutions. “The research clusters will produce impactful, policy-driven innovations through collaboration and rigorous academic work,” he said.
He added that sustained investment in research is essential for Nigeria to compete globally and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. The programme is supported by international partners, including the World Bank, and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem while advancing technological development.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, emphasised that Nigerian universities must evolve beyond theoretical instruction into centres nurturing innovators, entrepreneurs, and global talent. He highlighted plans for government-backed certification programmes in collaboration with global tech companies to provide students with industry-recognized credentials in fields such as AI, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
Alausa noted that more than 2.2 million tech-related job vacancies exist globally, offering Nigerian youth a unique opportunity to engage in the digital economy remotely.
The initiative also aligns with broader economic ambitions, with investments in digital technology, agri-tech, and online services contributing to the government’s goal of building a trillion-dollar economy within four years.
A $2 billion World Bank credit facility will fund the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across Nigeria. Over 200 researchers, including PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows, are expected to generate policy-relevant research to guide Nigeria’s digital economy for years to come.
