Abuja: The Federal Government unveiled the Tinubu Light Initiative (TLI) and the National Showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 to foster indigenous innovation, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship for economic growth. Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, stated that these initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting the administration’s dedication to driving innovation-led industrialization and economic transformation. Dr Mukhtar Muhammad represented the minister at the event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the event was ‘Igniting Indigenous Innovation, Transforming Nigeria, Inspiring the World.’ Minister Udeh highlighted that the NextGen Innovation Challenge is focused on identifying, nurturing, and commercializing indigenous technologies. Meanwhile, the TLI aims to provide affordable renewable energy solutions to one million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative is anticipated to reduce business operating costs, generate over 50,000 direct jobs, enhance financial inclusion, and bolster 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,” Udeh remarked. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation, technology transfer, industrial competitiveness, and enterprise development.
The minister praised the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) for creating a national innovation ecosystem that can transform 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 stated.
Dr Kazeem Raji, Director-General of NBTI, noted that the NextGen Innovation Challenge has become one of Africa’s leading innovation platforms. The initiative has drawn thousands of applications from innovators nationwide and secured strategic partnerships supporting technology commercialization and enterprise development. Several innovations from previous editions have advanced towards commercialization, with some already attracting local and international investments. Raji explained that the TLI is a practical intervention aimed at addressing energy challenges faced by MSMEs through cost-effective renewable energy solutions.
Raji highlighted that the program would reduce reliance 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 the 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.
Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen local manufacturing of renewable energy equipment, promote clean energy adoption, and support Nigeria’s transition to a green economy. Rep. James Faleke, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, described the initiative as a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities. Represented by Dr Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Faleke noted that the Tinubu Light Initiative would provide reliable electricity to millions of small businesses, enabling increased production, reduced costs, and improved incomes.
Faleke asserted that the program would positively impact traders, artisans, farmers, cybercaf©s, pharmacies, fashion designers, and other small business operators constrained by unreliable power supply. Conservative projections suggest that the initiative could stimulate more than N172 billion in economic activity annually through improved productivity and business expansion. Faleke assured the National Assembly’s support for policies promoting 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.