The federal government has launched the 2025 ‘NextGen innovation challenge’ targeting young people across the 774 LGAs to promote industrial development through indigenous ideas and local talent.
Speaking at the unveiling of the NextGen innovation challenge portal in Abuja on Wednesday, Kazeem Kolawole, director-general (DG) of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), said youth innovation is key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
Kolawole said 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is under 35, noting that empowering this group through inclusive innovation initiatives would help tap into the country’s vast talent pool.
He said the initiative allows young people to submit ideas in more than 50 key sectors, including health, agriculture, education, climate solutions, and digital infrastructure, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
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The DG assured that all entries will be protected under Nigeria’s intellectual property laws, noting that the NBTI has created a framework for patent registration and idea protection.
“We understand concerns about intellectual theft, but this system is robust. We’ve engaged the trademark registry, WIPO, and NOTAP to ensure ideas are safe and protected,” he said.
Kolawole said the programme supports inclusion and mentorship for all, regardless of education level, and helps semi-literate and digitally illiterate youth bring their ideas to life.
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He called on state governors and local leaders to support youth from their regions, adding that the top 37 innovators will represent Nigeria on a global stage in London.
Wendy Shepherd, second secretary for political affairs at the British High Commission, and Abigail Marshall-Katung, the 130th lord mayor of Leeds, attended and endorsed the initiative.
Marshall-Katung, also the wife of the senator representing southern Kaduna, described the programme as a powerful initiative that touches all LGs.
“Every young person has a shot, and that’s extraordinary. If the environment is right, Nigerian youth will thrive. This initiative creates that environment,” she said.
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Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science, and technology, said the initiative is a movement to make innovation a national culture, turning it into a way of life in Nigeria.
The minister was represented by Robert Ugwo, his special adviser on administration.
