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The Federal Government has unveiled a N12 billion Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at advancing data-driven policymaking and accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation, with strong implications for the country’s evolving regulatory framework and RegTech industry.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the initiative in a statement on Saturday, alongside a call for expressions of interest for the newly introduced National Digital Economy Research Clusters.
Describing the programme as a strategic milestone, the minister noted that the fund is designed to place research, innovation, and evidence at the core of Nigeria’s digital growth strategy. According to him, strengthening research capacity will play a critical role in shaping policies that support regulatory compliance, data privacy, and sustainable digital innovation.
The initiative is being financed under Project BRIDGE, a federal infrastructure programme focused on deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone across the country. This effort is expected to expand connectivity, enhance digital inclusion, and create a strong foundation for compliance technology and RegTech solutions to thrive.
“As we expand digital infrastructure nationwide, it is essential to adopt evidence-based approaches that ensure inclusive growth and effective regulatory risk management,” the minister stated.
He emphasised that policymaking in the digital sector has often been influenced by market trends and political cycles, rather than structured research and long-term planning. The new fund aims to address this gap by promoting regulatory intelligence and strengthening institutional capacity for informed decision-making.
Under the programme, six national research clusters will be established across key areas of the digital economy. These include connectivity and access, digital public infrastructure, digital skills development, job creation, online trust and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
These focus areas are expected to generate insights that will enhance financial compliance, risk assessment, and compliance analytics, particularly as Nigeria continues to navigate complex digital and financial ecosystems.
The research clusters will be led by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities, in collaboration with international academic partners. Over 200 researchers—including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates—are expected to contribute to producing policy-relevant outputs that support regulatory change management and long-term economic resilience.
According to Tijani, the broader objective goes beyond academic output. The initiative is designed to foster stronger institutions, improve governance systems, and drive innovation across sectors.
“Our focus is not just on research, but on developing policies that strengthen institutions and deliver long-term national impact,” he said, highlighting the importance of aligning innovation with effective governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practices.
He further described the programme as a foundational investment in Nigeria’s future, noting that countries leading in the digital age are those that prioritise knowledge, innovation, and structured policy development.
The ministry has invited universities and research institutions to review the Terms of Reference and submit proposals to either lead or collaborate within the clusters. This collaborative approach is expected to deepen expertise in compliance management, regulatory advisory, and emerging RegTech innovations.
A press conference is also scheduled to provide further guidance and engagement opportunities for academic stakeholders, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive participation in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
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