The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has called for greater national self-reliance and youth-led development, stating that young innovators hold the key to Nigeria’s future.

Speaking at the National Exhibition of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, held in Abuja on Wednesday, Nnaji described the event themed ‘Igniting Indigenous Ingenuity: Nigerian Solutions, Global Impact’ as “a celebration of vision, creativity, resilience, and the unrelenting spirit of Nigerian innovation.”

He commended the organisers, including the National Board for Technology Incubation and the event’s planning team, for creating a platform that empowers young Nigerians to shape the country’s development.

Nnaji stated that this year’s challenge received “over 3,000 entries from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. From this pool, 74 finalists emerged.”

According to the minister, these young innovators represent “the ingenuity, courage, and brilliance that define the Nigerian spirit.”

“Your selection is not just a personal achievement, it is a national endorsement of your potential to solve real problems and move us forward,” he told the gathered finalists.

The minister linked the event to the broader policy direction of the federal government and said the exhibition embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu.

“The President has made it clear: we will no longer be a nation that imports solutions to problems we have the capacity to solve.

“We will unleash the innovation of our people, unlock the potential of our youth, and build an inclusive economy that rewards ideas, enterprise, and courage,” Nnaji noted.

He emphasised that innovation has moved “from the periphery of governance to the heart of national development,” citing government efforts in digital transformation, science and technology education, and ecosystem reform as key pillars of this transition.

Showcasing the diversity of the innovations on display, from clean energy to fintech, agri-tech, AI, and deep-tech, the minister affirmed, “Our young innovators are proving that Nigeria is not just consuming technology; we are creating it.”

Nnaji urged greater investment in local talent.

“These young men and women don’t just have ideas, they have solutions, blueprints, and scalable products that can redefine industries and transform lives,” he said.

The minister also outlined the ministry’s commitments, including strengthening innovation hubs nationwide, supporting the transition from ideas to market-ready solutions, and fostering a regulatory environment that “encourages risk, rewards excellence, and promotes inclusion.”

To the finalists, Nnaji offered a final charge. “You are ambassadors of innovation and architects of the Nigeria we are building under this renewed national direction. The future is not something we wait for, it is something we must create with intention, precision, and boldness.”

In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Dr. Kazeem Raji, made a call to recognise the nation’s most valuable resource: the intellect and creativity of its people.

“Today, Nigeria is not simply convening an event; we are scripting a pivotal chapter in our nation’s journey—a chapter defined not by natural endowments, but by intellectual assets; not by what lies beneath our soil, but by the boundless ingenuity rising from within our people,” he said.

The DG emphasised that the challenge is not about superficial progress, but “deep, systemic transformation,” posing pressing national questions: “How do we secure food for over 200 million people?

“How do we bring sustainable energy to the last rural household? How do we ensure that even the most remote child learns from the brightest minds—including those born here, in Nigeria?”

Raji praised President Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is transforming the nation from a consumer economy to one driven by production and innovation.

To the innovators, Raji said, “You must now think beyond prototypes, toward products.

“Think beyond ideas, toward impact. Think beyond visibility, toward viability and scalability.

“Build for Nigeria. Design for Africa. Compete for the world.”

He urged participants to leverage local content frameworks, align with government policy, and tackle national priorities such as energy access, food security, education, healthcare, logistics, fintech, and industrial productivity.

NBTI, in partnership with UKALD as project consultants, is committed to turning ambition into measurable outcomes.

“We are converting ambition into action, and transforming ideas into impact,” Raji stated.

The 2025 cohort includes at least two innovators from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

They stand here, not as contestants, but as creators of tomorrow,” Raji said, noting that the top 37 will represent Nigeria on a global innovation stage in London.

Calling on various sectors to support the movement, he appealed, “To the private sector: We need your capital and your confidence.

“To development partners and international agencies: We welcome your strategic investments. To our Governors: We welcome your sponsorships.

“To the media: Be the megaphone for this new Nigeria. And to all Nigerians: Let us believe in ourselves again.” (Punch)