FG to Invest ₦12 Billion in Digital Economy Research for AI, Connectivity, and Skills
The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has unveiled a major initiative to bolster its position in the global digital landscape, announcing plans to invest ₦12 billion into critical digital economy research projects. This funding is designed to deepen Nigeria’s domestic research capacity and ensure the country fully capitalizes on the benefits of digital transformation.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during the opening ceremony of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) in Abuja. The conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” was hosted by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Strategic Allocation: The Three Research Pillars
The ₦12 billion investment will be strategically channeled into three major research clusters, each anchored by six universities across the country. This targeted approach is intended to address Nigeria’s most pressing digital challenges and seize future opportunities.
The three research clusters are focused on:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The FG recognizes the disruptive and transformative power of AI. Funding for this cluster will support research into developing locally relevant AI models, ethical frameworks, and applications that can drive productivity across various sectors, from healthcare to finance.
2. Connectivity and Infrastructure
Addressing the long-standing issue of connectivity is paramount. This cluster will focus on research aimed at solving the nation’s biggest challenge in broadband penetration and access. The investment will seek innovative, cost-effective solutions to expand digital infrastructure and ensure inclusive access across Nigeria.
3. Digital Skills and Literacy
Given Nigeria’s large, youthful population, the third cluster focuses on building a foundation for sustainable growth by addressing digital skills and literacy. Research here will aim to develop effective training methodologies and curricula to equip millions of citizens for the future of work.
Context of Previous Investment
Dr. Tijani noted that this investment follows a successful preceding phase, where the government funded over 55 research projects last year, underscoring a committed, continuous approach rather than a one-off measure.
Shaping Digital Governance and Global Cooperation
The ICEGOV platform served as the perfect venue for the announcement, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and responsible innovation.
Dr. Tijani stressed that digital technologies are central to human progress and that platforms like ICEGOV are vital for shaping policies that balance technological innovation with ethical considerations and societal needs. Nigeria’s role as the host nation for the 2025 edition—earned through strong participation in 2024—highlights its rising profile in global digital policy discourse.
Ms. Elsa Estevez, Chair of the ICEGOV Steering Committee, reinforced this view, calling for innovations to remain people-centred and ethical. She warned that governments must proactively engage citizens and build sound information ethics to secure the public digital space and counter misinformation.
Expanding Digital Literacy in Schools
Complementing the research investment, the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, announced a crucial policy integration: the Federal Government has finalized plans to integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s school curriculum starting in 2026.
This initiative is a core part of the Federal Government’s broader Knowledge Policy and Digital Literacy Framework. By focusing on the young, digitally native population, the government aims to:
Improve Service Delivery: Equip public servants with digital skills.
Meet Citizens Online: Enable government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to better serve a population that is increasingly operating digitally.
This combined approach of massive research investment, strategic policy integration, and global collaboration positions Nigeria to not only benefit from the digital transformation but also to become a key player in shaping its future.
Given the strong emphasis on digital skills and literacy, would you like to know more about the specific strategies the government might employ to integrate the new curriculum into schools nationwide?
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