The Federal Government has concluded the North West edition of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) programme in Kano, marking the end of a three-day initiative focused on converting research outputs into viable businesses and employment opportunities.
Declaring the programme closed, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, said the initiative signals a shift from ideas to execution, with a clear emphasis on commercialisation. He noted that ECoN has strengthened the government’s push towards a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy.
“The conclusion of ECoN is not the end, but the beginning of translating research into enterprises that can drive growth and create jobs,” he stated, adding that the Ministry will continue to support innovators through improved policies, funding pathways, and ecosystem development.
Udeh described Kano as a critical hub for innovation in Northern Nigeria and acknowledged the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for backing the initiative.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni, emphasised the need for sustained collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector. He called on state governments to create enabling environments that connect universities, research institutions, and investors.
“Commercialisation requires coordination. We must ensure ideas move beyond laboratories into the marketplace,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Kano State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, described ECoN as a strategic platform for economic advancement. He noted that the programme will deepen partnerships between federal and state actors, as well as industry stakeholders.
The ECoN programme featured technical sessions, innovation assessments, and stakeholder engagements designed to bridge the gap between research and market application, positioning innovation as a driver of inclusive economic development in the region.
