By SYLVESTER THOMPSON

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the Tinubu Light Initiative (TLI) and the National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 to promote indigenous innovation, renewable energy and entrepreneurship for economic growth.

Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the initiatives aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflected the administration’s commitment to innovation-driven industrialisation and economic transformation.

The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has the theme: “Igniting Indigenous Innovation, Transforming Nigeria, Inspiring the World.”

Udeh disclosed that the NextGen Innovation Challenge was designed to identify, nurture and commercialise indigenous technologies, while the TLI would provide affordable renewable energy solutions to one million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce operating costs for businesses, create more than 50,000 direct jobs, accelerate financial inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s productive economy.

“Nigeria is exceptionally blessed. We have one of the youngest populations in the world. We have world-class researchers. We have vibrant universities.

“We have outstanding technology hubs. We have resilient entrepreneurs.

“Above all, we have millions of young Nigerians whose creativity can transform not only our nation but also the African continent.

“Our responsibility as government is to build an ecosystem where innovation thrives, ” he said.

The minister said government would continue to create an enabling environment for innovation, technology transfer, industrial competitiveness and enterprise development.

He commended the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) for building a national innovation ecosystem capable of transforming research into commercially viable enterprises.

“The future wealth of nations will increasingly be determined by ideas, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

“We must ensure that research moves beyond laboratories, ideas become products, products become businesses and businesses become industries that create jobs and prosperity,” he said.

Earlier, the Director-General of NBTI, Dr Kazeem Raji, said the NextGen Innovation Challenge had evolved into one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms.

Raji said the initiative had attracted thousands of applications from innovators across the country and secured strategic partnerships that were supporting technology commercialisation and enterprise development.

He said several innovations from previous editions had progressed toward commercialisation, with some already attracting local and international investment.

According to him, the TLI represents a practical intervention to address energy challenges facing MSMEs through affordable renewable energy solutions.

He said the programme would reduce dependence on fossil fuel generators, lower production costs, improve productivity and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

“Young people from our universities, research institutions, technology hubs, manufacturing clusters and entrepreneurial communities demonstrated beyond doubt Nigeria possesses world-class talent waiting only for right platform to flourish.

“Today, many of the innovations emerging from this initiative are no longer concepts confined to laboratories or research papers.

“They are solving problems. They are creating jobs. They are attracting investors. They are improving livelihoods. They are contributing to national development,” he said.

Raji added that the initiative would strengthen local manufacturing of renewable energy equipment, promote clean energy adoption and support Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Rep. James Faleke, described the initiative as a major step toward empowering entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities.

Faleke was represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Dr Ebitimi Amgbare.

Faleke said the Tinubu Light Initiative would provide reliable electricity to millions of small businesses, enabling them to increase production, reduce costs and improve their incomes.

He said the programme would positively impact traders, artisans, farmers, cybercafés, pharmacies, fashion designers and other small business operators whose productivity had been constrained by unreliable power supply.

The lawmaker said conservative projections indicated that the initiative could stimulate more than N172 billion in economic activity annually through improved productivity and business expansion.

Faleke pledged the National Assembly’s support for policies that would promote innovation, renewable energy, entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic development in the country.

NAN reports that more than 3,000 innovation applications were received, with 298 finalists selected for the final showcase from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. (NAN)

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