Digital economy now stands at the centre of Nigeria’s national development and drives its future ambitions.
The Federal Government has opened expressions of interest for digital economy research clusters.
Digital Economy At The Centre
The ₦12 billion scheme aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking across Nigeria.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the initiative.
He invited academic and research institutions to submit proposals and join the new clusters nationwide.
The programme shifts policy-making away from market pressure and political cycles.
It places research, evidence, and long-term thinking at the centre of decisions.
Tijani noted that many digital policies lacked strong research input.
This gap has shaped past decisions across the sector.
However, the new clusters aim to change that pattern and embed research in national policy development.
Research-Led Policy Shift
Six research clusters will focus on key pillars of Nigeria’s digital economy.
These include connectivity, public infrastructure, digital skills, jobs, safety, and emerging technologies.
Each cluster will bring together Nigerian professors and international academic partners.
Up to 36 professors will lead collaborative work across the clusters.
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Over 200 researchers will participate, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates.
Their work will generate evidence to guide national policy.
The initiative first appeared in November 2025 as part of a broader strategy.
It aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
It also aligns with Project BRIDGE, a national infrastructure plan.
The project will deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone across the country.
This expansion will improve connectivity and expand digital access across communities nationwide.
Economic Growth And Outlook
Nigeria’s digital sector continues to expand rapidly.
Telecommunications and ICT contributed 18.9% to GDP in 2024.
It accounted for 10.07% of GDP in late 2025, showing steady growth.
The government continues to invest in infrastructure, skills, and innovation reforms.
These efforts aim to position Nigeria as a leading digital economy by 2027.
This initiative signals a shift toward research-driven digital governance across the country.
