Nigeria stands at the threshold of a transformative era—an era defined not merely by infrastructure expansion, but by the intelligent protection and technological advancement of our critical national assets. At the forefront of this bold new chapter is the strategic partnership between the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and the Nigerian Railway Service, aimed at empowering Nigerian innovators to develop cutting-edge, homegrown solutions to safeguard railway lines and other vital infrastructure across the nation.
This visionary initiative forms a core pillar of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, formally unveiled on Thursday, February 26, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hall, Federal Secretariat Phase II, Abuja.
Speaking at the world press conference, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, articulated a compelling national vision—one that aligns seamlessly with the bold and courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria-First Policy, innovation has rightly been repositioned as the new engine of economic prosperity. His far-reaching economic reforms, steadfast commitment to indigenous capacity development, and unwavering conviction that innovation is indeed “the new oil” have redefined the architecture of Nigeria’s national development. The President’s policies are not only bold—they are deliberate, strategic, and transformative.
Dr. Raji emphasized that beyond attracting foreign direct investment, the NextGen Innovation Challenge is purposefully designed to deliver practical, scalable solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—including insecurity, terrorism, flooding, and threats to public safety. Of particular significance is the development of advanced safety, surveillance, and smart tracking technologies to secure railway corridors and other strategic national assets.
The National Board for Technology Incubation remains the Federal Government’s foremost technology incubation agency and the only institution statutorily mandated to commercialize research and development outcomes from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, research laboratories, and private innovators. Through its nationwide incubation centres, NBTI nurtures startups, de-risks emerging technologies, facilitates intellectual property protection, and connects innovators to sustainable financing pathways.
“Our mandate is clear: to transform indigenous ideas into globally competitive enterprises,” Dr. Raji affirmed.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge is a high-impact, forward-looking annual platform connecting emerging startups, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs with global investors, development partners, advanced economies, and multinational sponsors. It decisively bridges Nigeria’s technology gap while accelerating commercialization of scalable innovations.
The 2026 edition, organized in strategic partnership with UKALD (United Kingdom), represents an expanded global, multi-hub innovation platform. It features deeper capital mobilisation, structured mentorship, and broader market access.
Two major international showcases are scheduled:
• The Middle East Edition in Doha, Qatar (April 2026), designed to unlock access to sovereign wealth funds and industrial investors.
• The Global Stage Edition at ExCeL London (October 2026), offering Nigerian innovators unparalleled global visibility.
Distinguished international partners providing strategic mentorship and ecosystem support include Innovate UK, Teesside University, Google, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the Commonwealth Investment Network, international climate finance partners, and other globally respected innovation agencies.
NextGen 2026 prioritizes high-impact sectors aligned with Nigeria’s national development objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These sectors include artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors and digital infrastructure, telecommunications (including 6G integration), green and renewable energy, climate resilience and flood detection systems, safety and smart tracking technologies, women-led innovation, agritech, health-tech, edutech, additive manufacturing, immersive technologies, and other transformative solutions.
The initiative is projected to:
• Mobilize significant domestic and international capital
• Transition innovators from pitch concepts to market-ready products
• Institutionalize a year-round innovation platform
• Strengthen public-private-international collaboration
• Increase investment-ready startups and minimum viable products
• Enhance commercialization of indigenous technologies
• Elevate Nigeria’s global innovation visibility
The presence of key national leaders—including Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Service; H.E. Dr. Silas Ali Agara, Director General of the National Directorate of Employment; Architect Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency; representatives of the National Youth Service Corps and the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute; as well as leaders from youth and women-focused innovation institutions—underscored the national importance of this initiative.
This partnership between NBTI and the Nigerian Railway Service represents far more than a technological intervention. It is a strategic national safeguard. It is an economic stimulus. It is a security solution. It is a declaration that Nigeria’s greatest resource lies not beneath the soil—but within the brilliance of her people.
Under the courageous and reform-driven leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is not merely reacting to challenges; it is engineering solutions. The Renewed Hope Agenda is translating vision into measurable progress—empowering innovators, strengthening institutions, and building a resilient, technology-driven economy.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 is therefore not just a programme. It is a movement—one that places Nigerian ingenuity at the heart of national security, economic transformation, and global competitiveness.
Nigeria’s rails will not only carry passengers and cargo—they will now carry the promise of innovation, resilience, and Renewed Hope.
Otunba Wole Badmus is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the DG/CEO,National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)
