The federal government on Thursday launched the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano, with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, spearheading the event and calling for a shift from ideas to industrial productivity.
Tinubu, who officially unveiled the programme, said Nigeria must move beyond generating ideas to building industries that create jobs and drive economic growth.
She noted that although innovative concepts continue to emerge from universities, technology hubs and young entrepreneurs, many do not translate into real-world solutions.
“This initiative represents a decisive effort to close that gap by creating an environment where ideas can grow, attract support and scale into real solutions,” she said.
According to her, the programme is expected to boost employment, diversify the economy and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness through the effective commercialisation of innovation.
Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, described ECoN as a national framework designed to bridge the gap between research and the marketplace.
He said the initiative aims to transform research outputs into revenue-generating ventures while promoting inclusive economic growth.
“To drive a new culture where ideas lead to measurable impact, research generates revenue and innovation fosters inclusive prosperity is central to this initiative,” he said.
Tochukwu-Udeh explained that the programme would leverage partnerships with international organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to ensure Nigerian innovations meet global standards.
He added that ECoN would feature technical sessions, investor pitch opportunities and dedicated “deal rooms” to facilitate direct engagement between innovators and investors.
Speaking at the event, Kano State governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, emphasized that Kano is honoured to host both the national launch and the North-West rollout.
He said the programme aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises industrial growth, youth empowerment and economic productivity.
Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi, also pledged the support of North-West governors, revealing plans to establish a technology village in his state to foster innovation and attract investors.
The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including governors, lawmakers such as Senator Barau Jibrin and Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, traditional rulers, First Ladies from the North-West, business leaders and civil society organisations.
