The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced ambitious plans to establish research centers dedicated to emerging technologies. These technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, among others. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s technological landscape and foster innovation across the country’s six geo-political zones.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, unveiled these plans during his keynote address at the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos. Represented by Aristole Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Inuwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to building a robust technology research ecosystem. The focus areas for NITDA’s research will include IoT, blockchain technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), additive manufacturing, AI, and robotics.

“We are establishing a special-purpose vehicle that is going to look into these key areas and also establish research centers across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria,” said Inuwa. These centers will target the six key areas of emerging technologies, aiming to drive technological advancement and innovation throughout the nation.

Beyond research, NITDA is set to provide substantial support for Nigerian startups developing products in these emerging technology fields. Inuwa highlighted the creation of innovation sandboxes designed to support and nurture innovative ideas, helping startups develop use cases, create businesses, and bring their products to market.

“We want to encourage development and have innovation sandboxes where we can support and encourage those who have ideas to come up with use cases,” he stated.

NITDA is also playing a pivotal role in talent development through its support for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. The goal is to ensure that by 2027, three million Nigerians will have received technical training and empowerment. This initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s talent exports and increase the country’s foreign exchange through higher remittances.

Shitij Taneja, Managing Director of Vertex Next and organizer of the IoT West Africa conference, praised Nigeria’s potential to become Africa’s next Silicon Valley. He cited the country’s vast youth population and vibrant startup ecosystem as key factors.

“Nigeria’s vast youth population and the vibrant startup ecosystem make it a powerhouse for technology development in Africa,” said Taneja.

Lagos, the host city for the IoT West Africa conference, plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s rapid technological development. The city’s growing digital economy and significant investments in data centers have created a large market for IoT technologies. The conference also aims to attract investors to Nigerian startups innovating in emerging technology fields.

The establishment of research centers across Nigeria’s geo-political zones represents a significant step towards positioning the country as a leader in technological innovation. With support for startups and a focus on talent development, NITDA’s initiatives are set to drive economic growth and digital transformation in Nigeria.