The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a dedicated National Design and Development Agency to bolster homegrown innovation and support Nigerian inventors, entrepreneurs and creative minds. This move, championed by President Bola Tinubu, is backed by full government commitment and positioned under the Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry
According to Innovation Minister Uche Nnaji, the agency will work alongside the National Research and Innovation Council and National Research Fund, both designed to reinforce coordination and funding of research-driven projects across the country
At a recent National Exhibition for the NextGen Innovation Challenge in Abuja, Minister Nnaji shared that over 3,000 entries from all 36 states and the FCT were received, with 74 finalists emerging to showcase breakthrough solutions across sectors such as agriculture, health, clean energy, fintech and artificial intelligence
The agency is expected to provide not just technical support but also play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between idea generation and market deployment. It will partner with existing innovation hubs, offer mentorship, incubator services, and ensure robust intellectual property protections for innovators
This development marks a significant reinforcement of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s ambition to embed innovation as a national culture – equipping Nigeria’s youth to design and launch viable products, locally and globally.
With growing collaboration between government, private sector and international partners, including efforts like the NextGen Innovation Challenge and future funding frameworks, the National Design and Development Agency is positioned to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s drive toward a knowledge‑based, innovation‑led economy.
