{
  "id": 3143832,
  "title": "FG moves to boost innovation hubs for jobs, entrepreneurship",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/fg-moves-to-boost-innovation-hubs-for-jobs-entrepreneurship-3143832",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-25T00:16:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fg-moves-to-boost-innovation-hubs-for-jobs-entrepreneurship/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's Federal Government aims to bolster innovation hubs nationwide to foster entrepreneurship and job creation, extending the benefits of the digital economy to regions beyond the primary technology centers of Lagos and Abuja. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasized the need for increased investment in technology hubs, innovation spaces, and ecosystem builders to equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills, networks, mentorship, and infrastructure. Speaking at the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework Validation Workshop in Abuja, Tijani argued that bolstering local innovation ecosystems would empower young Nigerians to devise solutions to local challenges, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to economic diversification. He pointed out that while prominent Nigerian technology companies showcased the potential of the country's innovation ecosystem, more attention was required for the hubs and communities that nurture entrepreneurs. Tijani shared his experience managing a technology hub, highlighting the critical role of spaces where young people can access knowledge, mentorship, networks, and support. He contended that if all innovation hubs in Nigeria were of equal quality to the best, it would lead to more technology businesses, innovation, and improved opportunities across the country. The government's strategy involves expanding digital infrastructure through investments in fibre-optic connectivity, telecommunications, and satellite technology, along with developing other digital ecosystem components like digital identity and cloud infrastructure. However, the impact of these investments would be limited without innovation hubs possessing the necessary resources and capacity to attract and retain skilled personnel. NITDA has identified over 339 innovation hubs nationwide, with a significant concentration in Lagos, Abuja, and ten additional states. Despite the growth in internet usage, which increased by 44% to 1.5 million terabytes, many communities still lack access to the networks and support available in Nigeria's major technology centers. To address this, Tijani's proposed National Innovation Hub Standards Framework offers a structured approach for hubs to assess their capabilities, identify gaps, and enhance their operations without imposing rigid requirements. The framework comprises seven key dimensions and around 35 assessment categories that hubs can use to measure their development level and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Inuwa stressed that innovation thrives within an ecosystem and that design plays a crucial role in fostering this growth. He advocated for increased private-sector involvement in providing risk capital, arguing that the government alone cannot sustainably finance the growth of startups and emerging businesses. Inuwa emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including talent, risk capital, large corporations, and government, while also calling for greater involvement of universities in research, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, and partnerships with businesses.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government is strengthening innovation hubs across Nigeria to create jobs and foster entrepreneurship, expanding the digital economy’s benefits Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-moves-to-boost-innovation-hubs-for-jobs-entrepreneurship/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "FG moves to boost innovation hubs for jobs, entrepreneurship",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/fg-moves-to-boost-innovation-hubs-for-jobs-entrepreneurship",
        "published": "2026-08-25T00:00:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}