The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to raise the contribution of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from its current level of about 18 percent to 21 percent by 2027, marking a strategic push to strengthen the nation’s digital economy.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy during the unveiling of a ₦75 million Research and Innovation Grant, aimed at empowering innovators, researchers, and startups developing technological solutions across various sectors.
Under the new initiative, 75 research projects will receive direct funding support, with beneficiaries drawn from universities, tech hubs, corporate innovators, and Nigerian researchers in the diaspora. The programme targets cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, hyperscale data centers, blockchain applications, agritech, and digital public infrastructure.
According to the ministry, the funding is designed to bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment, addressing a long-standing challenge in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Officials noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to expand digital capacity, build local talent, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a technology-driven economy.
“This funding is an essential investment in our future,” a senior government representative said. “We are creating a system where research can evolve into viable products and where innovation can translate directly into economic growth. Our goal is to leverage technology to strengthen national productivity, create jobs, and unlock new opportunities for Nigerian youth.”
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a “timely boost” to Nigeria’s research landscape. Several experts say that with consistent funding, Nigeria can position itself as a continental leader in digital innovation, particularly as global demand for technology solutions continues to rise.
The government also revealed plans to support the establishment of hyperscale data centers through partnerships with global technology firms. This is expected to enhance data sovereignty, attract foreign investment, and improve cloud infrastructure for Nigerian businesses.
The ICT sector remains one of Nigeria’s strongest growth drivers, having recorded significant expansion over the past decade. Analysts believe that sustained investments in research and innovation—combined with improved infrastructure—could help unlock billions of dollars in economic value and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in Africa’s rising digital economy.
The ₦75 million research grant programme is scheduled to commence immediately, with beneficiaries expected to begin receiving funds before the end of the quarter.
