Nigeria Launches ₦12bn Digital Research Programme Under Project BRIDGE

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,  has announced the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a ₦12 billion funding initiative aimed at strengthening the role of research and evidence in shaping the country’s digital transformation. The programme opens applications to academic and research institutions across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward embedding data-driven policymaking in the nation’s digital economy strategy.

The initiative is being funded under Project BRIDGE, a flagship government programme focused on deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure nationwide. As Nigeria expands its connectivity infrastructure, the minister emphasized the need for evidence-based approaches to ensure that the benefits of digital investment are inclusive and impactful across all segments of society.

According to Tijani, the programme seeks to address a longstanding gap where digital policies are often influenced more by market trends and political cycles than by rigorous research and long-term thinking. By placing ideas and evidence at the centre of decision-making, the government aims to foster stronger institutions and more sustainable economic growth.

The National Digital Economy Research Clusters will be organized around six key pillars: connectivity and access, digital public infrastructure and government, digital skills and human capital, digital economy and jobs, trust and online safety, and artificial intelligence alongside emerging technologies. These clusters are expected to drive critical insights that will inform national policies and shape the future of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Each of the six clusters will be led by distinguished professors from Nigerian universities, working in collaboration with international academic partners. In total, the programme will engage over 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, to produce policy-relevant research that can guide the country’s digital development for years to come.

Tijani described the initiative as one of the most personally meaningful projects under his leadership, noting that its impact is intended to outlast current administrations by laying a strong intellectual foundation for the future. He encouraged universities and research institutions to review the programme’s terms and submit proposals to participate, adding that further details will be shared at an upcoming press conference.