Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, hailed over 3,000 young innovators at the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 exhibition in Abuja, emphasizing the need for scalable, Nigerian-made solutions to drive the country’s digital future.
The event showcased 74 finalists from across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with projects spanning clean energy, fintech, agri-tech, artificial intelligence, and deep-tech.
Speaking on the development, the surge in youth-driven innovation aligns with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to shift Nigeria from importing foreign solutions to fostering local innovation and technological self-reliance.
The country’s startup ecosystem, according to the Nigerian Startup Index, has grown by over 30% in the past year, with investments pouring into sectors like fintech and e-commerce.
In his remarks, the Minister outlined his ministry priorities to include:
- Expansion of innovation hubs
- Support for market-ready startup pipelines
- Policy reforms to encourage risk-taking and excellence
- Expansion of innovation hubs
He added that top 37 innovators will represent Nigeria at a global competition in London, reinforcing the government’s push from consumption to production.
Nnaji linked the event’s theme “Igniting Indigenous Ingenuity” directly to national development goals.
He underlined the government’s resolve to harness youth and science to address food security, rural energy access, and education gaps.
Expectations
- Finalists will receive targeted support to transition from MVPs to market-ready products.
- Global showcasing in London could attract international investment.
- Tech communities and VCs are expected to partner with the ministry for follow-through on incubator programs.
- Monitor announcements on new tech hubs and innovation grants emerging from this initiative.
Talking Points
To say that Nigeria will move from import nation to tech exporter is easier said than done. And, that’s great rhetoric as we need to be very real as another election circle approaches.
At Techparley Africa, we believe that without radical reforms in power supply, broadband infrastructure, and IP protection; our “Made in Nigeria” tech fantasy could stay stuck in prototype purgatory.
Also, our Renewed Hope Agenda mantra must be checked and critically analysed. We need to be sure if it is not an ‘Old Wine in New Bottle’ idea.
Of course, the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” sounds visionary, but so did “Vision 2020” and other plans before it.
Therefore, we should ask: Are we genuinely building ecosystems where a tech kid from Gombe or Zamfara can thrive or just handing out prizes to Lagos startups already in the limelight?
In addition, what is the real plan for the Nigerian Youth? Do we really see them as our greatest asset or the most underutilized resource?
There’s a harsh irony in celebrating youth innovation while the same youth face double-digit unemployment, brain drain, and crushing startup costs.
Hence, until the government fixes fundamentals like electricity and credit access, youth potential will remain tragically untapped. We really need the minister to help the President achieve his beautiful ambitions around science and technology.
