Isiyaku Ahmed
The Federal Government (FG) has unveiled plans to formally launch the Energized Commercialization Now (ECoN) Initiative in Kano, describing it as a landmark program aimed at transforming research and innovation into market-driven solutions.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, disclosed this on Wednesday during a pre-event press conference held at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel, Kano, ahead of the national launch scheduled for Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Dr. Udeh described the initiative as a historic and significant step for Nigeria, noting that it is designed to bridge the long-standing gap between innovative ideas and their commercial application.
He announced that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahemd Tinubu, will personally perform the national launch, which is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including governors, First Ladies, and international development partners such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
According to the Minister, the program will go beyond the launch event, with technical sessions scheduled for April 24 and 25 involving participants from the seven states of the Northwest. These sessions will focus on evaluating innovative ideas, research outcomes, and commercially viable projects submitted from across the region.
“We have already received over 1,000 entries comprising innovations, research outputs, and ideas that are ready for market application,” Dr. Udeh said.
He explained that the ECoN Initiative seeks to identify viable innovations from tertiary institutions, research centres, tech hubs, and the private sector, and connect them with investors who can transform them into profitable products and services.
Nigeria, he noted, is rich in ideas and innovation, but has historically struggled to convert them into economic value. The initiative is designed to change that narrative by supporting innovators, refining their ideas where necessary, and facilitating access to funding and markets.
Dr. Udeh further revealed that after the Northwest rollout, the program will be extended to other geopolitical zones, making it a nationwide platform for innovation commercialization.
He added that the initiative is already driving increased participation among young people, women, and researchers, as it assures that their innovations will no longer remain dormant in laboratories but will be developed into viable enterprises.
The Minister also highlighted plans to establish a digital platform where verified and bankable innovations will be uploaded, enabling investors from around the world to access credible opportunities.
“This project is about job creation, industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and strengthening Nigeria’s sovereignty in science, technology, and innovation,” he said.
Dr. Udeh commended Kano State for its strong support, noting that the state currently leads in the number of entries received. He attributed the choice of Kano as host city to its historical role as a commercial hub, as well as the support of the Kano State Government and the Northwest Governors Forum.
He emphasised that the initiative is people-centred and not politically driven, calling on all stakeholders to support its successful implementation.
The Minister also confirmed the arrival of delegations from across the Northwest and national agencies, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), and the National Board for Technology Incubation.
He expressed optimism that the ECoN Initiative would exceed expectations and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development if sustained.
Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Hon. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the initiative as a transformative step toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
“Kano State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to host the national launch of the Energized Commercialization Now (ECoN) Initiative, a Federal Government program aimed at boosting innovation, research, and economic growth,” he added.
Comrade Waiya welcomed the Honourable Minister of Humanities, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, alongside other dignitaries, including representatives of the Vice-President, and members of the Senate.
He noted that the briefing was convened to provide an opportunity for the Minister to engage stakeholders ahead of the official launch scheduled for the following day.
According to the Commissioner, the ECoN Initiative is a Federal Government project spearheaded by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, with strong backing from the First Lady, Her Excellency, Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the program would be launched simultaneously as a regional rollout for the Northwest and a national unveiling, with Kano chosen as the host city in recognition of its strategic importance.
Comrade Waiya expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting Kano, describing the decision as a significant honour for the state.
“This initiative represents a major milestone in transforming research, innovation, and investment in locally developed products.
“It is expected to reshape the national landscape by promoting practical applications of research and advancing technology-driven economic growth,” he said.
He added that the initiative holds immense potential for Nigeria’s growing youth population, as it is designed to create employment opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage productive engagement among young people.
The commissioner further stated that the program aligns with the country’s broader development objectives by opening new pathways for innovation-led growth.
Comrade Waiya also confirmed that the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, is serving as the local organizing committee for the event.
