Federal Government Shifts Focus to Innovation-Led Growth
ABUJA — The Federal Government has launched the NEXTGEN Innovation Challenge 2026. Through this initiative, it aims to reposition innovation as a core economic driver.
Specifically, the programme will accelerate technology entrepreneurship and attract global investment. As a result, Nigeria hopes to strengthen its position in the global knowledge economy.
Official Unveiling in Abuja
Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), unveiled the programme during a world press briefing in Abuja.
According to him, NEXTGEN 2026 is not just a competition. Instead, it serves as a national development platform.
Furthermore, he described it as a global innovation diplomacy strategy designed to unlock capital and scale ideas.
Aligning With Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Dr. Raji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising innovation within the administration’s reform agenda.
He explained that the Nigeria First Policy places intellectual capital at the centre of development. Consequently, innovation now plays a strategic role in economic planning.
“Innovation is the new oil,” he stated. Therefore, Nigeria must transition toward a knowledge-driven economy.
Global Partnerships and International Exposure
The National Board for Technology Incubation is organising the programme in partnership with UK-based consultancy firm UKALD.
Importantly, the initiative will connect Nigerian innovators with:
Global investors
Development finance institutions
Multilateral agencies
Private sector partners
Meanwhile, innovation boot camps will begin in Abuja.
Subsequently, the grand finale will hold in October 2026 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom.
In addition, international editions will take place in Doha and London. These events will target Middle East investors and global stakeholders.
High-Impact Sectors Targeted
The challenge will prioritise sectors with strong economic potential.
These include:
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Advanced Semiconductors
6G Telecommunications
Renewable Energy
Climate Resilience Technology
Agri-tech
Health-tech
Edu-tech
Women in Tech
Virtual Reality and 3D Manufacturing
Notably, these sectors align with Nigeria’s national priorities. They also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Unlocking Investment and Climate Finance
NBTI plans to deepen collaboration with institutions such as the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and the Commonwealth Investment Network.
Through these partnerships, the programme aims to unlock climate finance and attract Foreign Direct Investment.
Moreover, Dr. Raji urged universities to commercialise research outputs. He also encouraged investors to provide structured capital to startups.
Finally, he challenged young Nigerians to treat their ideas as national assets. According to him, innovation can deliver measurable economic impact.
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