The Federal Government is set to officially launch the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) programme today in Kano, in a move aimed at converting Nigeria’s research outputs and innovations into profitable, market-ready ventures.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) under the leadership of Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, is being executed in collaboration with the Kano State Government and key stakeholders across the North West. The programme is also championed by Oluremi Tinubu, signalling strong federal backing for innovation-led economic growth.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the Minister described ECoN as a flagship national intervention designed to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial success. He stated that the programme would “transform Nigeria’s abundant research outputs, intellectual property, and innovative ideas into commercially viable products capable of driving economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.”
According to him, hosting the North West phase in Kano reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and regionally balanced innovation development. He noted that ECoN will connect innovators with industry players, investors, and government support systems, thereby addressing long-standing barriers to commercialisation.
Key institutions, including the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), and National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), are expected to play central roles in mobilising innovators, facilitating technology transfer, and expanding access to funding.
Aligned with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, ECoN is projected to strengthen value chains across critical sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, ICT, and manufacturing, while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The Minister urged stakeholders across the region to actively participate, describing ECoN as “a national movement to unlock Nigeria’s innovation potential and position the country as a global hub for enterprise and technological advancement.”
