Dr Kazeem Raji, the DG/CEO, NBTI and Minister of FMSTI, Uche Nnaji flanked by other dignitaries at the National exhibition of the NextGen innovation challenge 2025 in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to investing in digital transformation,expanding access to science and technology education, and reforming Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji reiterated the commitment at the National exhibition of the NextGen innovation challenge 2025 in Abuja.
The theme for the exhibition is “igniting innovation, shaping the future.’’
Nnaji that said strengthening innovation hubs across the country would reduce bureaucracy and open doors to capital, mentorship, and market access for Nigerian innovators.
He added that Nigeria’s innovators have the government’s support to operate in an ecosystem that was deliberately being shaped to favour them.
”The ministry is also committed to creating the regulatory environment that encourages risk, rewards excellence, and promotes inclusion,” he said.
The minister called on private sector partners and the global community to invest in the innovators as they are ambassadors of innovation and architects of the Nigeria’s renewed national direction.
”What you see today is just a glimpse of what Nigeria has to offer.
These young men and women don’t just have ideas, they have solutions, blueprints, and saleable products that can redefine industries and transform lives,’’ he added.
In his remarks, Dr Kazeem Raji, the DG/CEO, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) noted that Nigeria’s potential for innovation was undeniable.
According to him, our country has a vibrant youth population, growing tech ecosystem, and resilient spirit that have seen us overcome numerous challenges.
Raji called on the finalists to position their innovations to solve real Nigerian problems while they leverage the local content frameworks that prioritise the solutions in public procurement.
”This should be done in alignment with Nigeria’s first policy to build credibility and attract government and private-sector buy-in,” he said.
The DG noted that the benefits of the initiative were multifaceted, as they would provide winners with international exposure, incubation, mentorship, and commercialisation support as well as foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
He added that innovation was the lifeblood of the nation’s growth as the power to create a brighter tomorrow lied in the hands of today’s innovators.
”From tech-savvy youths developing groundbreaking apps to entrepreneurs finding novel solutions to age-old problems; it’s all about harnessing creativity, embracing challenges, and transforming ideas into reality.
”By encouraging young people to think creatively and develop solutions to real-world problems, we can build a brighter future for our nation,’’ he also said.
One of the finalists who spoke with NAN, Joseph Osuagwu said it was a great opportunity for him to be among the finalist to showcase their innovation.
Osuagwu who is the innovator of Bra X, explained that the innovation was an AI powered smart brassiere with solution aimed at early detection of cancer.
”The Bra X innovation is borne from a place of personal loss and to find a solution to highest form of cancer killing women, which is the breast cancer.
”This innovation is an easy-to-use device whose AI powered censors give a breast health analysis within 5 minutes after it is worn and before getting to the hospital,’’ he explained.
Another innovator, Mr Babajide Babson, an innovator of BMV 6- Ventilator said he saw the exhibition as a challenge and a call to continue to do more.
He noted that his solar powered ventilator was made from recyclable materials and could be used in any part of the country and remained powered for up to 33 hours without electricity.
There were 74 finalists, some of whom will represent Nigeria in the United Kingdom.
The exhibition had innovations showcased in areas such as energy access, food security, healthcare delivery, education, logistics, fintech, and industrial productivity. (NAN)
