NITDA Highlights Startup Support At NASENI InnovateNaija Awards 2026

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerian innovators and startups, highlighting interventions designed to help businesses grow and turn innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

The agency made this known at the grand finale of the NASENI InnovateNaija Awards 2026, held on Wednesday, October 7, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.

InnovateNaija, organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), brought together innovators, investors, government officials and other stakeholders to celebrate innovation across the country. The programme attracted participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, culminating in the selection of 15 national finalists.

Representing NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Hajjiya Iklima Musa delivered a goodwill message, emphasising the importance of innovation, digital technology and strategic partnerships in Nigeria’s economic development.

She congratulated NASENI on the initiative, noting that the programme, launched at GITEX Nigeria 2025, had grown from a platform for identifying innovators into a national initiative recognising state champions, an FCT champion and 15 national finalists.

According to her, sustained support for innovators is essential to building a strong innovation ecosystem and enabling young Nigerians to develop solutions to local challenges while creating economic opportunities.

Musa highlighted NITDA’s support programmes, including the Nigeria Startup Act, under which 348 startups have received startup labels, giving them access to more than 31 incentives.

She also disclosed that the agency’s iHatch programme had supported more than 400 startups and 74 innovation hubs through mentorship, training and investment-readiness support.

Other initiatives mentioned included the iHatch Upskilling Programme and the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework, which are designed to strengthen the capacity of startups and innovation hubs.

The NITDA representative encouraged the national finalists and state champions to take advantage of opportunities available through the Startup Portal, startup labelling and the iHatch programme.

She further reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with NASENI and other stakeholders to expand support for innovators and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh. Other dignitaries included the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.