The Federal Government has unveiled a N12bn Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and supporting Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation agenda.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, announcing the launch of an expression of interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters.

“Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a N12bn research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” the minister said.

According to him, the programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and enable a modern digital economy.

“This programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, our initiative to deploy 90,000km of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and enable a modern digital economy,” he said.

The minister noted that as the government expands digital infrastructure nationwide, research-backed approaches are required to ensure inclusive benefits.

“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage, thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment,” he added.

He observed that digital policy decisions are often shaped by market forces and political cycles rather than rigorous research and long-term thinking. “Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the statement said.

Under the initiative, six national research clusters will be established across key pillars of the digital economy, including connectivity and meaningful use; digital public infrastructure and government services; digital skills and human capital development; digital economy and jobs; online trust and consumer protection; as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The clusters will be led by up to 36 professors drawn from Nigerian universities, working alongside international academic partners, with more than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, expected to generate policy-relevant research.

“For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society,” the minister said.

He described the initiative as one of the ministry’s most meaningful programmes, noting that it is intended to produce ideas that will outlast any single administration. “Because nations that lead the future are not simply those that deploy infrastructure; they are the ones that cultivate ideas,” he said.

The ministry invited academic and research institutions interested in participating to review the Terms of Reference released alongside the EOI and submit proposals to lead or collaborate within the national research clusters.

It added that a press conference would be held in the coming week to provide further details and engagement opportunities for vice-chancellors and research institutions across the country.

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to compensate subscribers experiencing poor network service across the country.

The Commission said the directive was part of efforts to ensure that consumers are not made to bear the burden of service failures when operators fall short of required standards.

Under the new regulation, telecom operators will be required to provide compensation directly to affected subscribers for breaches of Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

According to the NCC, the compensation will be issued in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average usage and their presence within specific Local Government Areas where service disruptions occur.

The Commission emphasised that telecommunications services remain critical to economic activities, social interactions, and access to digital opportunities, noting that poor service delivery negatively impacts productivity and public confidence.

It explained that while regulatory fines have traditionally been used to sanction operators, the new approach prioritises consumer protection and strengthens accountability within the telecommunications sector.

The NCC added that the measure would complement existing efforts to monitor service quality and enforce compliance with performance standards.

In addition, the Commission directed tower companies responsible for telecom infrastructure, such as network masts, to reinvest fines imposed on them into infrastructure upgrades with measurable outcomes.

The regulator reiterated its commitment to ensuring that operators invest in network resilience, expand capacity, and improve infrastructure to meet growing demand.

It also pledged to continue deploying regulatory mechanisms that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across the industry, while ensuring that subscribers receive the quality of service they deserve.

Google has launched its Search Live feature globally to over 200 countries, including Nigeria, where AI Mode is available, enabling voice-and-camera conversations in users’ preferred languages.

Google

Powered by the new multilingual Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, it delivers natural, real-time interactions via the Google app on Android or iOS—tap the Live icon under the Search bar.

Ideal for hands-free help, users can speak queries for audio replies, follow-ups, or web links. Camera integration adds visual context, like troubleshooting a shelving unit, or pairs with Google Lens for real-world chats.

From the app or Lens, Nigerians can now explore, learn, or solve tasks instantly, boosting everyday productivity worldwide.