The Federal Government is set to launch the Energise Commercialization Now (ECoN) Initiative, a national innovation and entrepreneurship programme aimed at transforming ideas into market-ready products, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. The initiative is expected to be officially flagged off between April and May 2026, marking a major step towards converting Nigeria’s research strength into real economic value.
To drive the rollout, a 17-member Planning Committee has been inaugurated to coordinate the national flag-off and align key stakeholders across the country. The programme is positioned as a practical response to long-standing concerns that many research outputs in Nigeria remain unused or disconnected from industry.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, described ECoN as “a strategic intervention to convert Nigeria’s vast research and innovation outputs into market-ready products, scalable enterprises, and job-creating opportunities.” His remarks underline the government’s intention to bridge the gap between research institutions and the marketplace.
He further explained that the initiative will mobilise stakeholders nationwide to identify viable innovations and fast-track their transition into commercial use. According to him, Nigeria “must move beyond theoretical research to practical solutions that drive industrial growth and national prosperity.”
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, is chairing the planning committee, with the Permanent Secretary serving as Co-Chairman. Key agencies such as the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency and the Sheda Science and Technology Complex are also playing central roles in shaping the programme.
The national launch is planned to hold in Kano State, a location deliberately chosen for its long-standing reputation as a commercial and industrial hub. The government believes the state offers strong potential to attract investment, stimulate enterprise, and support job creation at scale.
The Ministry also revealed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been proposed as the Champion of the initiative, reflecting its national importance and expected impact.
