The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), under the leadership of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Kano State Government and key stakeholders across the North West ahead of the official launch of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) programme, Championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON commencing tomorrow in Kano.
Speaking at a press briefing today in Kano, the Honourable Minister described ECoN as a flagship national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s abundant research outputs, intellectual property, and innovative ideas into commercially viable products that will drive economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.
He noted that the partnership with Kano State to host the North West zone represents a critical step toward inclusive and regionally balanced innovation development, stressing that ECoN will bridge the long-standing gap between ideas and market value by linking innovators with industry, investors, and government support systems.
The Kano State Government, alongside key institutions including National Board Technology Incubation (NBTI), Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), and National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), will play a central role in mobilising innovators and strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem, with a focus on technology transfer, funding access, and commercialisation opportunities.
Aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification and youth empowerment, the initiative is expected to boost market-ready innovations, create jobs, and strengthen value chains across priority sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, ICT, and manufacturing.
The Minister called on stakeholders across the North West to actively participate, emphasizing that ECoN is a national movement to unlock Nigeria’s innovation potential and position the country as a global hub for enterprise and technological advancement.
Pauline Sule (Mrs),anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST
22/4/26
