By: Mnena Iyorkegh,/Benedicta Onweje, Abuja
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has launched an empowerment program “NextGen Innovation Challenge Portal” to empower youths to be more creative and innovative.
Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Director General NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Raji, stressed that youth innovation is key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, emphasizing the urgent need to empower young Nigerians through inclusive, grassroots-driven innovation initiatives.
“With 70% of our population under the age of 35, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of talent. If you look at the fintech and tech ecosystems globally, Nigerians are leading the charge, many of them are products of our education system and our challenges. What they’ve lacked is structured opportunity, the NextGen portal provides that”, he said
According to Dr. Kazeem, the initiative which aims to ignite renaissance of ideas and Innovation, driven by creativity of young Nigerians aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, is our strategic response, our pathway to ensuring that our local ingenuity is scaled in to global enterprise. It is a National Technology Movement for Bold and the Brilliant minds and it is not a mere competition; it is a clarion call to our youths to rise and lead. It is a platform designed to identify, nurture, and amplify the talents that often lie hidden in underserved communities”, he noted
He added that the organisation is collaborating with stakeholders and partners to address the challenges on ground.
“We know the journey from inspiration to innovation is often obstructed by lack of access to funding, to markets, to mentorship, and to opportunities. Through this initiative,NBTI in collaboration with UKALD and a coalition of national and international partners, are dismantling these barriers. We are providing structured support systems that connect local talents to mentorship, incubation, investment, and international visibility”, he added
On his part, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Represented by the Special Adviser on Administration, Mr. Robert Ugwo, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovation to thrive.
The portal marks a new era where innovation becomes a norm rather than an exception. The ministry is committed to creating a platform for creativity to flourish. NextGen is not just a project, it’s a movement toward making innovation part of our national culture,” Ugwo stated. “This portal is more than a tool; it is a gateway for transforming innovation into a national habit and way of life,” he said
According to the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), NITDA, pledged its commitment to Nigeria’s technological growth.
“The initiative represents a significant stride in Nigeria’s pursuit of economic diversification and technological advancement. By fostering innovation and empowering our youth, we are collectively laying the foundation for a prosperous and digitally inclusive Nigeria. NITDA remains committed to supporting endeavours that drive innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s technological growth”, he said
Also speaking, the British High Commission’s Second Secretary for Political Affairs, Wendy Shepherd, the representative by the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds, UK, Abigail Marshall-Katung, endorsed the initiative. “I was moved by the fact that this program touches all 774 LGAs. It’s a powerful platform for showcasing Nigerian brilliance. 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.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge aims to engage youth across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas by allowing them to submit innovative ideas in over 50 key sectors.
These include health, agriculture, education, climate solutions, and digital infrastructure. Submissions must be practical and defendable, with guidelines clearly outlined on the platform.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge is an initiative designed to unlock the innovative potentials of Nigerian youths, especially from grassroots communities across Nigeria.
