Announced by Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, the National Digital Economy Research Clusters programme aims to position research, data, and innovation at the core of the country’s digital transformation strategy.
The initiative builds on an earlier announcement made in November 2025 and is backed by Project BRIDGE—a flagship government effort to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide to improve connectivity.
According to Tijani, the programme seeks to ensure that Nigeria’s growing investments in digital infrastructure are guided by rigorous research and long-term thinking, rather than short-term market or political considerations.
At the heart of the plan is the creation of six national research clusters focused on critical areas such as connectivity and access, digital public infrastructure, digital skills development, job creation, online safety, and artificial intelligence. Each cluster will be led by top academics, with up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities expected to collaborate with international partners.
The government also plans to engage more than 200 researchers—including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates—to generate insights that can directly inform public policy and institutional reforms.
Officials say the initiative is not solely about academic output but about shaping practical solutions that can drive sustainable economic growth and improve governance outcomes. By embedding research into policy development, the government hopes to build stronger institutions and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Tijani emphasised that countries leading the digital future are those that invest not only in infrastructure but also in ideas, innovation, and knowledge systems.
The federal government is expected to provide further details at an upcoming press conference, while universities and research institutions have been encouraged to submit proposals and actively participate in the programme.