The Federal Government has launched the North West phase of the Energize Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, marking a new push to convert Nigeria’s research outputs into commercially viable ventures and accelerate economic growth.
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The programme was officially unveiled on Thursday in Kano by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, under the theme “From Innovation to Industry: Energizing Commercialisation.” The launch signals a strategic effort to bridge the long-standing gap between research institutions and industry application.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu described Nigeria as a country with abundant creativity and untapped innovation potential, noting that many ideas developed across universities and research centres often fail to reach the market due to systemic bottlenecks.
“The ECoN initiative is designed to address these gaps by creating an enabling environment that supports talent, nurtures innovation, and facilitates the transition of ideas into viable enterprises,” she said.
She added that the initiative aligns with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing industrialisation, digitalisation and economic diversification. According to her, the programme is expected to drive job creation, boost productivity and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
The First Lady also stressed the importance of inclusivity, calling for increased participation of women and youth in the innovation ecosystem. She noted that broader engagement would not only strengthen economic outcomes but also enhance social stability and national development.
She further announced that while the initiative is commencing in the North-West region, it will be scaled across all geopolitical zones in the country.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the launch as a significant milestone, stating that Kano’s selection as host reflects confidence in the state’s readiness to lead innovation-driven growth in northern Nigeria.
“This initiative will bridge the gap between research outputs and market application, enabling the transformation of academic ideas into commercial products and scalable enterprises,” the governor said.
He added that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on industrial expansion, youth empowerment and improved economic productivity. Governor Yusuf also highlighted ongoing investments by the state government in digital infrastructure and technical education, positioning Kano as a hub for innovation-led industrialisation in the region.
The governor commended the First Lady for her continued support to Kano, particularly in education, social welfare and empowerment initiatives targeting women, farmers and persons with disabilities.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu, described ECoN as a “national commercialisation architecture” aimed at moving innovation “from concept to capital and from prototype to prosperity.”
According to the minister, the initiative will feature technical sessions, investor-ready pitch presentations and dedicated “deal rooms” designed to connect innovators directly with investors.
He also disclosed that a digital platform is being developed to link researchers with industry stakeholders, while providing continuous technical and legal support to innovators navigating the commercialisation process.
Early indicators suggest strong interest in the programme, with over 1,000 innovation entries already recorded and initial investment commitments secured.
The Federal Government says the initiative will be expanded nationwide, fostering inter-state collaboration and building a connected innovation ecosystem capable of enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness and driving sustainable economic transformation.
