The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has intensified its collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in a move to promote a knowledge-based economy, boost employment, and ensure inclusive growth across the country.
This significant development unfolded during a courtesy visit by the NBTI to the NGF Secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting marked a major step toward strengthening the role of technology and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s national development strategy. Both organizations expressed firm commitment to using innovation as a tool for transformation at both national and state levels.
Welcoming the NBTI team, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director General of the NGF, described the visit as timely and visionary.
He said, “This partnership is a strategic alignment that mirrors Nigeria’s developmental urgency. Innovation is key to strengthening governance, building economic resilience, and engaging the youth.”
Dr. Shittu highlighted the NGF’s groundbreaking initiatives, including the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Readiness Index and the Intelligent Revenue Index (IRI).
These tools help states evaluate their digital capabilities and fiscal strength, making it easier to improve service delivery and encourage smart governance practices.
The NGF chief also praised the NBTI’s impactful programs, especially the NextGen Innovation Challenge, which he said is inspiring youth-led entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
He expressed readiness to support the integration of NBTI’s innovation boot camps, showcases, and policy dialogues into the NGF’s efforts to drive digital transformation and job creation.
“One of the most important outcomes of our discussion,” Dr. Shittu said, “is the decision to set up a Joint Working Committee. This will help identify areas of collaboration, harmonize state-level implementation, and promote smooth cooperation between our two institutions.”
Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General and CEO of the NBTI, thanked the NGF for their continued support and active participation in the launch of the 2025 NextGen Innovation Challenge. He reported that over 3,000 applications were received just two weeks after the launch, showing how eager Nigerian youth are to participate in innovation-led programs.
He announced that the Innovation Challenge would now become a yearly national event to help discover local talent, support new businesses, and promote economic diversification.
According to Dr. Raji, NBTI has built a wide network of incubation centres across Nigeria, which have helped bring more than 10,000 local products to market.
Some of these products have reached international markets and even been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. This development supports Nigeria’s goal of increasing non-oil exports and strengthening local content.
Dr. Raji also revealed plans to establish Renewed Hope Technology Hubs and Parks in all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. These modern centers will follow the model of successful global tech hubs like Silicon Valley in the US, Shenzhen in China, and Nairobi in Kenya.
The goal is to support 50,000 startups every year, create over one million jobs, and increase Nigeria’s share in the global innovation economy.
“Our vision is to empower the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs,” Dr. Raji said. “By building technology hubs and supporting local innovation, we can boost job creation, improve living standards, and position Nigeria as a leader in technological development.”
He highlighted several sectors where NBTI is making progress, such as artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, health technology, clean energy, education technology, 3D printing, robotics, and drone applications. NBTI is also working on indigenous machine fabrication and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversions.
Among the success stories he shared were the localized production of rice milling machines, mini stone crushers, and the transformation of raw materials into finished products that meet international standards. These projects have shown how homegrown solutions can meet local needs and contribute to export growth.
Dr. Raji extended his appreciation to state governors for hosting and supporting NBTI incubation centres. He called for stronger partnerships at all levels of government to make innovation accessible to more Nigerians and drive local economic development.
Both the NBTI and NGF agreed to move forward with a common innovation agenda, and the newly formed Joint Working Committee will serve as the operational engine for making this vision a reality.
Dr. Raji also pointed out that the success of this partnership reflects the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is reviving national confidence and laying the foundation for economic expansion and technological growth,” he said.
According to Dr. Raji, President Tinubu’s administration has created a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through programs that back startups, encourage private investment, and support local talent, Nigeria is beginning to see real progress in sectors that matter for long-term prosperity.
The Nigeria First Policy, part of the president’s economic plan, is also playing a major role. It focuses on supporting local businesses, encouraging the use of indigenous technology, and putting Nigerian innovation at the heart of national development goals.
Dr. Raji said, “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are not just imagining a better future—we are building it. The policy direction is clear: innovation is the path forward.”
He also mentioned Nigeria’s growing ties with the BRICS economic alliance, calling it a step toward better international cooperation, improved trade relations, and wider access to global markets. This international outreach supports Nigeria’s ambition to lead industrial growth in Africa and strengthen its place on the world innovation map.
President Tinubu’s reforms in infrastructure, digital services, and youth empowerment are setting the stage for Nigeria’s transition to a digital and inclusive economy. His administration’s support for platforms like the NBTI and the NGF shows that innovation is no longer just a talking point—it is becoming a core part of government policy.
Dr. Raji concluded with a powerful message: “With strong leadership from the presidency, active involvement from state governments, and the efforts of forward-looking institutions, Nigeria is ready to leap into the future. This is a moment of opportunity for all Nigerians, especially the yout, to create, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
