By Emmanuel Elebeke

ABUJA – The Federal Government has launched the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE, a major initiative aimed at accelerating innovation, strengthening infrastructure, and boosting economic growth in Nigeria’s digital sector.

Announcing the programme in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as a transformative step toward positioning Nigeria as a global player through research-driven development and stronger collaboration among government, academia, and industry.

Tijani disclosed that the digital sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen to nearly 20 percent, with a target of 21 percent. He attributed the growth to ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He outlined key components of Project BRIDGE to include the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide, rollout of 3,700 telecom towers to expand connectivity in rural areas, upgrades to communication satellites, and the establishment of a national data exchange system.

The minister also highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and Nigeria’s improved global ranking in artificial intelligence, which has moved from 103rd to 72nd position.

In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the initiative would be institutionalised across universities, with plans to expand the research clusters to more than 200 centres nationwide.

He further announced the planned launch of a national dashboard for primary and secondary school students on May 6, aimed at enhancing education planning and data-driven decision-making.

Alausa stressed that universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching roles to become hubs of research and innovation, noting that Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global digital economy.

Stakeholders in the academic community have welcomed the initiative. The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Ebunoluwa Oyediran, described the move as a significant step toward strengthening research, data utilisation, and international collaboration.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Semion Obanire, commended Tijani’s leadership, noting that the reforms are already reshaping the country’s digital landscape.

The initiative, supported by partners including the World Bank, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s adoption of emerging technologies and enhance its competitiveness in the global digital economy.