By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has announced plans to invest N12 billion in digital economy research as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technological capacity and expand the benefits of digital transformation. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed this at the opening of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) in Abuja.
Tijani said Nigeria’s commitment to digital research was reaffirmed after the country’s strong participation in the 2024 edition of ICEGOV, which contributed to its selection as host of the 2025 conference. He noted that the government has already funded more than 55 research projects and will now support three major university research clusters one dedicated to artificial intelligence, another to connectivity, and a third to digital skills and literacy.
He stressed that digital technologies now underpin human development and must be treated as essential tools for governance, not just economic enablers.
ICEGOV Steering Committee Chair, Elsa Estevez, highlighted the global risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence, calling for stronger collaboration among nations and institutions. She urged governments to ensure that digital innovations remain human-centered and free from misinformation, manipulation, and unsafe digital practices.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, announced that the Federal Government plans to integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s national school curriculum by 2026, ensuring the country’s young population can participate fully in its digital transition. He added that public servants will also undergo digital skills training to improve government efficiency.
In May, Minister Tijani confirmed that the National Digital Economy Bill covering data protection, cybersecurity, electronic transactions, and digital infrastructure would return to the National Assembly for its second and third readings. The bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework for a safer, more inclusive digital economy.
