By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Federal Government has called for stronger investment in innovation hubs across Nigeria, warning that the country’s digital transformation will remain limited unless the people and institutions behind its technology ecosystem receive adequate support.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made the call in Abuja at the validation workshop for the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework.

Tijani said Nigeria’s growing number of technology startups had demonstrated the potential of its young population, but argued that greater attention must now be paid to the hubs and grassroots communities that help innovators turn ideas into viable businesses.

“Imagine if we had all the hubs in Nigeria at the same level of quality as the best hubs in the country. There would be more technology businesses, more innovation and better opportunities across the country,” the minister said.

He said the Federal Government was investing in fibre-optic connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure and satellite technology to expand digital access, particularly in underserved communities.

But Tijani stressed that infrastructure alone would not produce the desired economic transformation.

According to him, investment in digital infrastructure must go hand in hand with investment in the people and institutions capable of converting technology into jobs, businesses and wider economic opportunities.

He said successful technology companies such as Paystack showed what could emerge when talent, innovation and the right support systems came together.

Tijani also called for greater transfer of knowledge from successful innovation ecosystems globally, saying Nigerian hub managers could benefit from lessons that have worked in other countries.

The minister said the impact of innovation hubs went beyond individual entrepreneurs because startups emerging from such ecosystems could create jobs, establish businesses, generate tax revenue and contribute to national economic growth.

•PHOTO: Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, speaking Friday at the Draft National Innovation Hub Standard Framework Validation Workshop in Abuja.