President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought the support of the National Assembly for the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), as part of efforts to strengthen research, science, technology and innovation in Nigeria.
The proposed fund is designed to provide a more coordinated and sustainable financing framework for research and innovation, while helping to connect universities, research institutions, government and industry with national development priorities. Federal Ministry of Information
The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved the establishment of the NRIDF in May 2026. Under the proposed framework, the fund would operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and be overseen by a 17-member National Council on Research and Innovation, chaired by the Vice President. Federal Ministry of Information
The Federal Government has said the initiative is intended to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s research ecosystem, including fragmented funding and weak coordination among universities, research institutes and industry.
The fund is also expected to support competitive research grants, strengthen research infrastructure, encourage the commercialisation of research findings and promote the development of technologies and innovations that can contribute to economic growth and job creation. Federal Ministry of Information
The government has previously indicated that the proposed funding mechanism could provide up to $500 million annually for research and innovation. Officials said the investment would help move research outcomes from laboratories and academic institutions into practical products, businesses and solutions to national challenges. The Guardian Nigeria
The initiative comes as the Federal Government continues to increase funding for research. In August 2026, the government approved ₦10 billion for the 2026 TETFund National Research Fund grant cycle, supporting research across 30 priority thematic areas. The Guardian Nigeria
With the proposed NRIDF, the administration is seeking to establish a broader national framework through which research and innovation can receive sustained funding and contribute more directly to Nigeria’s technological and economic development. Recent government consultations have also focused on creating mechanisms to turn research findings into technologies, enterprises, jobs and practical solutions. Federal Ministry of Information