The Federal Government has called for greater investments in technology hubs, innovation spaces, and ecosystem builders across Nigeria, identifying them as essential engines for cultivating talent, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving the nation’s digital economy.

Speaking in Abuja at the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework Validation Workshop, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised that Nigeria cannot achieve a diversified and prosperous economy without directly strengthening the support systems that nurture innovation.

Tijani noted that while high-profile tech startups often capture public attention, the underlying innovation hubs and grassroots communities that make their success possible are frequently overlooked.

He highlighted hub managers and physical co-working spaces as vital anchor points where young talent, creators, and entrepreneurs can collaborate, build networks, and turn original concepts into viable businesses.

Ultimately, the Minister stressed that investing in these foundational hubs provides the ideal environment for young Nigerians to craft local solutions to societal challenges while creating meaningful employment opportunities across the country.

The minister, who drew from his previous experience managing a technology hub, said Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem was partly driven by the emergence of spaces that provide entrepreneurs with access to knowledge, mentorship, networks and other forms of support.

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He noted that the country’s increasing number of successful technology companies demonstrated the enormous potential of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, but warned that this potential could not be fully realised without stronger support structures for ecosystem builders.

Tijani stressed that government’s investment in digital infrastructure must be matched with adequate investment in the people and institutions capable of transforming infrastructure into economic opportunities.

He highlighted ongoing federal government efforts to expand digital infrastructure through investments in fibre-optic connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure and satellite technology to extend digital access to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

He added that government was also strengthening other components of the digital ecosystem, including digital identity and cloud infrastructure, through new policies and strategic interventions. Applying For Government Grants

The minister, however, maintained that infrastructure alone would not deliver the desired economic transformation if innovation hubs across the country lacked the resources and capacity required to attract and retain skilled personnel.

“Imagine if we had all the hubs in Nigeria at the same level of quality as the best hubs in the country. There would be more technology businesses, more innovation and better opportunities across the country,” he said.

Tijani also advocated greater documentation and transfer of knowledge from successful innovation ecosystems around the world to Nigerian technology hub managers, saying lessons from global best practices could help strengthen local innovation communities.