FG unveils innovators’ challenge to foster economic growth

The federal government has launched a flagship initiative, the 2025 NextGen Innovators Challenge, aimed at unlocking the creative potential of young Nigerians and promoting innovation across the country. The challenge will cover various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, in […]

The federal government has launched a flagship initiative, the 2025 NextGen Innovators Challenge, aimed at unlocking the creative potential of young Nigerians and promoting innovation across the country.

The challenge will cover various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, in his address at the official kick-off ceremony of the NextGen Innovators’ Challenge Portal, explained that the challenge is a national movement designed to reach every local government area in Nigeria.

He said, “This platform is designed to reach every local government area in the country, ensuring that no talent is left unseen, no innovation is left unsupported, and no dream is deemed too small.

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“The challenge will focus on over 50 strategic sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, ICT, and manufacturing.

“These sectors are not only pillars of national development, they are ripe for disruption by the ingenuity and resilience of young Nigerians.”

The Minister stressed that the initiative is not just about discovering new ideas but delivering measurable impact.

“Let me be clear, this initiative is not just about discovering new ideas, it is about delivering measurable impact. It is about building a Nigeria where innovation is not a privilege, but a cultural norm,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director General of Raw Materials and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike- Muonso, in his goodwill message, said the initiative aligns seamlessly with the agency’s shared commitment to fostering homegrown technological solutions and empowering Nigerian innovators.

He expressed confidence that the challenge will serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and industrial growth across the nation.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, said the innovators’ challenge is a strategic response to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in technology, trade, and innovation.

“Our vision is very clear; to make Nigeria a global hub for innovation across key sectors”, he said.