The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this at the Technical Validation Workshop for the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework held in Abuja.

Tijani highlighted the critical role of technology in driving growth and development across key sectors of society, noting that digital innovation has become central to addressing economic and social challenges.

The minister outlined three layers of technology-enabled development and highlighted applications being developed by Nigerian innovators to address challenges across different sectors.

He also stressed the importance of stronger digital infrastructure in enabling more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.

According to him, the Federal Government is committed to deepening connectivity through the expansion of Nigeria’s 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network.

The framework is aimed at establishing clear operational standards and strengthening support infrastructure for entrepreneurs and innovation hubs across Nigeria.

Speaking at the validation session, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the growth and sustainability of innovation hubs require deliberate planning and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders.

He described innovation hubs as vital spaces where founders, corporate organisations, government agencies and investors come together to transform local ideas into scalable products and businesses.

Inuwa noted that most of Nigeria’s 339 existing innovation hubs are concentrated in Lagos and Abuja, creating the need for a framework that would support the development of stronger regional innovation clusters.

According to him, the proposed framework introduces seven key dimensions and 35 criteria that will enable innovation hubs to assess their growth while adapting to local realities.

“The goal is to build strong regional clusters so innovators can grow without relocating,” he said.

The NITDA boss also called on investors, development partners and academic institutions to contribute to the framework and support the growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

He stressed the need to bridge the gap between higher education and industry by integrating digital skills into university curricula to better prepare the next generation of innovators and founders.

The National Innovation Hub Standards Framework is expected to provide a structured approach to strengthening innovation infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurs and expanding digital innovation opportunities across the country.