Nigeria’s BRICS membership, according to Kazeem Raji, director-general of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), provides local inventors with “unprecedented” access to international markets and direct connections to a bloc that accounts for over 40% of the world’s population and trillions of dollars in trade.
The formidable alliance of rising economies known as BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. By providing a forum for political and economic cooperation among poor countries, the union has been progressively acquiring international recognition.
In January, Nigeria was accepted as one of the bloc’s partners.
On Wednesday, Raji addressed at the “National showcase: Nextgen innovation challenge 2025” in Abuja.
Nigerian innovators in important sectors are to be identified, supported, and shown through the National Board for Technology Incubation’s (NBTI) Nextgen Innovation Challenge 2025, which is run by UKALD.
The innovation challenge, he claimed, “sent a message loud and clear” that “Nigeria is not just catching up; Nigeria is taking the lead.”
“Every idea and every entry is a vote of confidence in the future we are creating—a future written by Nigerians, for Nigeria, and for a world that desperately needs fresh ideas,” Raji continued.
He explained that the national showcase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 is a revolutionary platform designed to promote indigenous ideas on a global scale and to magnify the genius of Nigerian brains.
This National Showcase’s subject, ‘Igniting Indigenous Ingenuity: Nigerian Solutions, Global Impact,’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event. “It is more than just a catchphrase,” he stated.
It’s a strong, unwavering, and determined statement that the moment for Nigeria to lead with innovation has come.
“I would like to recognize His Excellency’s remarkable leadership. Bola Ahmed, the President
With his revitalized hope agenda, Tinubu, GCFR, forges a daring route from reliance to innovation and from consumption to production.
“Nigeria is undertaking a bold and intentional transition under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. This transformation is anchored on the Nigeria First Policy, the Rekindled Hope Agenda, and Nigeria’s historic inclusion in the BRICS economic alliance.
These platforms are intended to boost our domestic talent, fortify our sovereignty, and propel a new era of innovation-led development. They are more than just collaborations and policies.
Nigeria’s greatest resource is not found underground, but rather within our people, as demonstrated by you, the innovators.
The Nigeria First strategy is a strong exhortation to give local solutions for regional and worldwide problems first priority.
It is a confirmation that Nigerian innovators should hold leadership positions, Nigerian products are desirable, and Nigerian ideas are important. You currently work in an environment that is purposefully being created in your favor, with legislative changes, development funding, and government assistance all geared toward empowering indigenous inventors, builders, thinkers, and creators.
Simultaneously, Nigeria’s membership in BRICS provides unparalleled access to international markets, connecting you directly to a multilateral bloc that together accounts for nearly 40% of the world’s population and trillions of dollars in investment and trade flows.
“This is your pass to new collaborations with other innovators in emerging economies, new export prospects, new funding sources, and new partnerships.”
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“IDEAS FROM NIGERIAN INNOVATORS CAN TRANSFORM INDUSTRIES”
The minister of innovation, science, and technology, Uche Nnaji, stated that foreign organizations and the private sector ought to fund Nigerian inventors since their ideas have the potential to change people’s lives.
“Invest in these innovators, I implore you.” Nigeria offers much more than what you see now,” he remarked.
“These young people have more than just ideas; they have blueprints, solutions, and scalable products that have the power to change industries and change lives.”
Nnaji reported that the competition got more than 3,000 invention entries from the 36 federation states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“74 finalists have emerged from this amazing pool of talent—each one a testament to the ingenuity, courage, and brilliance that define the Nigerian spirit,” he continued.
He stated that the federal government’s renewed hope agenda places innovation at the center of national development and governance.
For this reason, the minister stated, “we are investing in digital transformation, increasing access to science and technology education, and reforming our innovation ecosystem to reduce bureaucracy and open doors to capital, mentorship, and market access.”
“We are witnessing the tangible results of that vision today. Our young innovators are showing that Nigeria is not just consuming technology, but also producing it, with innovations ranging from renewable energy to agric-tech, fintech, edtech, AI, and deep-tech solutions.
He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to expanding support for idea-to-market transitions and bolstering innovation hubs nationwide.
At the 17th BRICS conference on Saturday, Tinubu stated that emerging and low-income economies should be included and treated fairly in international financial institutions.
