Technology Incubation Center, Lafia

21/10/2025

https://bentelevision.com/nbti-promoting-ai-development-in-nigeria-through-incubation-infrastructure-dr-kazeem-kolawole-raji/

*NBTI Promoting AI Development in Nigeria through Incubation Infrastructure - Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji*

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has emphasized the need for a systems thinking approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the *Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community Conference* *(G-STIC 2025) and Master-Class held in Abuja,* Dr. Raji highlighted the opportunities AI presents, including transforming key sectors and driving inclusive industrialization. However, he noted that Nigeria's AI ecosystem is still nascent, with the continent holding less than 1% of global AI computing capacity.

Dr. Raji identified key challenges facing Nigeria's AI ecosystem, including infrastructure, talent, and ecosystem maturity. He emphasized the need for a systems thinking approach to address these challenges.

According to the DG/ CEO
"Globally, AI investment, adoption and diffusion are on an extraordinary trajectory. Africa’s place in this, while still nascent, is growing — and no longer optional for our national development agenda".

According to recent reports, Africa hosts approximately 2,400 organisations active in AI (including startups, research labs, corporates) and about 40 % of those are startups.

Nevertheless, the continent still holds less than 1 % of global AI computing capacity.

In financial terms: Africa’s AI investment in 2025 is estimated in the range of US$2–3 billion, which represents only about 1-1.5 % of global AI investment.

Sectorally, generative AI alone could unlock up to US$100 billion annually across the continent in sectors such as banking, Agriculture, retail, telecommunications.

"Geographically, the ecosystem remains highly concentrated: four countries—Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt—accounted for about 83 % of AI startup investment in early 2025.

"In many African nations, national AI readiness remains low: For example, the region of SubSaharan Africa ranked last in the global AI readiness index in recent years".

The NBTI DG outlined the organization's role in promoting AI development in Nigeria, including providing incubation infrastructure and advocating for regulatory frameworks. He called on participants to think systematically and design AI solutions for scale and sustainability.

In her keynote address, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, appealed to Nigerians to use AI positively to address national challenges, including insecurity.

In their separate remarks, Chairman Senate committee on Science and Technology, Senator Iya Abbas and his counterpart in the house of representatives, Hon Garba Inuwa commended the Director General/ CEO of NBTI for his efforts especially with the recent concluded NextGen programme held in London which saw a Nigerian Entrepreneur win £1.5 Million of which according to them is first in the history of Science and Technology in Nigeria.

*The Conference theme was "Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem, Systems Thinking and Systems Dynamic”*

Sunday Uduma The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has emphasized the need for a systems thinking approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) development in Nigeria. Speaking at the *Global Sustainable Technology a...

09/10/2025

https://bentelevision.com/breaking-news-nigerian-innovator-wins-1-5-million-nextgen-innovation-challenge-in-london/

Al’amin Muhammed Idris, CEO of Interface Africa, has emerged as the winner of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, representing Kaduna State. He received a cash award of 1.5 million pounds at the grand finale held in Paddington, London, today, October 9, 2025. Interface Africa, under Idris’ leaders...

03/10/2025

https://bentelevision.com/breaking-news-nigeria-to-showcase-105-groundbreaking-innovations-at-nextgen-challenge-in-london/

Published by Sunday Uduma The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is set to revolutionize the global innovation scene with the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025. On October 9, 2025, 105 pioneering Nigerian innovators will converge at the Hilton London Paddington for the Grand Finale, sho...

21/09/2025

*Innovation as Catalyst: NBTI Ignites President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Through Technology, Partnership, and Prosperity.*

*Abuja, Nigeria – September 2025*

In line with the visionary *Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji,* is boldly redefining the national innovation ecosystem—empowering grassroots inventors, catalyzing food security, and positioning Nigerian entrepreneurs for global competitiveness.

*The Renewed Hope Agenda has found a strategic implementing force in NBTI, whose tireless pursuit of excellence, inclusive innovation, and sustainable development resonates profoundly with Mr. President’s bold economic policies and unwavering commitment to national greatness.* As Nigeria rises to claim its place in the global knowledge economy, NBTI is deploying its vast resources, talent, and technology incubation centers nationwide to ensure no innovator or entrepreneur is left behind.

*Strategic Partnerships for Food Security & Innovation.*

In an era where food security is a matter of sovereignty, NBTI recently played host to the *End Hunger Initiative for Community Development, a forward-thinking organization spearheading cross-continental solutions to hunger through technology. During this pivotal engagement, Dr. Emeka Agwu, leader of the delegation, unveiled a sweeping vision of chemical-free, sustainable agriculture, powered by innovation and backed by strategic partnerships in Africa and Asia, particularly China.*

From organic farm-to-fork models and modern processing hubs for cassava, cocoa, and rice, to the integration of renewable energy and youth exchange programmes, the Initiative’s mission mirrors NBTI’s mandate of using science, technology, and innovation to drive inclusive national development.

Responding, Dr. Raji commended the Initiative and reaffirmed NBTI’s commitment to collaborations that are strategic, structured, and impactful. “*At NBTI, we don’t chase presentations; we build legacies with documented action plans. Government works with records. We work with results,” he asserted. With 58 technology incubation centers across the country*, the DG emphasized NBTI’s readiness to support partners who demonstrate clarity of purpose, commitment, and capacity to deliver on shared goals.

*Empowering Grassroots Inventors through InvenTap.*

On another front, NBTI is deepening its grassroots innovation pipeline through potential collaboration with *InvenTap by Salvy VentureCorp.* This initiative, *spearheaded by Mr. Salvation Alibor, aims to transform “street inventions” into commercially viable products*. By providing engineering training, business mentorship, and investor showcases, InvenTap offers a structured accelerator model to unearth Nigeria’s hidden talent.

Dr. Raji described the programme as a *powerful complement to NBTI’s own flagship initiative, the NextGen Innovation Challenge, which has attracted over 3,000 innovators nationwide* and is already preparing top inventions for international investor showcases in London.

“*We are not just incubating ideas—we’re building industries, jobs, and global opportunities,” the DG said.* He emphasized that only well-documented, technically sound proposals would be evaluated for alignment with the agency’s strategic frameworks, including fabrication support, visibility, and global market access.

The two parties are currently exploring formal collaboration to ensure that Nigeria’s most promising inventions are not just recognized, but commercialized, exported, and celebrated.

*From Boys’ Quarters to Global Markets: NBTI’s SME Success Stories*

Further cementing its commitment to the *Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Raji and his management team recently visited A&Shine Honey Limited, Kuje, Abuja, an inspiring NBTI-supported SME that grew from a modest boys’ quarters in Minna to an export-ready enterprise.*

During the visit, *Dr. Raji unveiled the upcoming NBTI Global App*—a transformative e-commerce platform designed to function *like Amazon and Jumia for Nigerian entrepreneurs*. This integrated platform will solve key bottlenecks around logistics, payments, and compliance, giving SMEs direct access to both local and international markets.

“You don’t have to struggle abroad to succeed. There is life and opportunity here. *Mr. President’s Nigeria First Policy* ensures that what we produce is prioritised for Nigerians and positioned for global export,” the DG affirmed.

In an emotional response, *Architect Peculiar Adeshina, MD of A&Shine Honey, thanked NBTI for the foundational support that transformed her dream into a globally competitive enterprise. “NBTI traced us, believed in us, and gave us the push we needed.* Today, we are exporting honey and creating jobs. That opportunity changed our lives,” she said.

*NBTI: Driving the Engine of Nigeria’s Innovation Renaissance*

As Nigeria marches towards a brighter, technology-driven future, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji has positioned NBTI as a catalytic engine for inclusive growth, building bridges between policy, science, and enterprise. His visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are unlocking new frontiers in food security, invention, job creation, and global trade.

With bold policies from the Presidency and strong institutions like NBTI executing at grassroots and global levels, *Nigeria is not just rising—it is leading.*

*Reuben Shagu*
*Assistant Director,*
*Head, Information and Public Relations.*
*National Board For Technology Incubation (NBTI)*

12/09/2025

*Inter-Agency Collaboration: NBTI Hosts SMEDAN and ITF to Drive MSME Growth, Skills Development, and Youth Empowerment Through Technology and Innovation.*

*- Wednesday 10 September 2025.*

In a bold demonstration of strategic synergy and institutional alignment with *the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,* the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepening inter-agency collaborations for national development. In recent high-level engagements at the NBTI Headquarters in Abuja, *the Board received delegations from both the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)* to forge stronger partnerships in driving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) growth, skills development, and youth empowerment through innovation and technology.

These strategic visits come at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s socio-economic trajectory, as President Tinubu’s visionary leadership continues to reshape national priorities with a clear focus on youth empowerment, skills development, and innovation-driven economic transformation. *With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, these collaborations represent timely responses to His Excellency’s call for inclusive, future-focused governance.*

*NBTI and SMEDAN: Incubating Enterprises, Scaling Innovation*

The SMEDAN delegation, led by *Mr. Onesi Lawan* on behalf of the Director-General/CEO, underscored the agency’s mission to empower entrepreneurs through financial inclusion, enterprise support, and policy advocacy. He emphasized the need for a closer partnership with NBTI to scale innovation through enterprise incubation, ensuring that grassroots ideas are nurtured into sustainable, globally competitive businesses.

In his response, *NBTI Director General/CEO, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji,* applauded SMEDAN’s efforts in empowering MSMEs and reaffirmed NBTI’s commitment to building a seamless synergy that would catalyze entrepreneurship across Nigeria.

_“*MSMEs remain the backbone of our economy. Through strategic collaboration with SMEDAN, we aim to provide the incubation environment necessary to help entrepreneurs thrive, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity,” Dr. Raji said._*

*NBTI and ITF: Equipping the Youth for the Future of Work*

Similarly, in a separate engagement, the NBTI received *a delegation from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), led by Mr. Ojo B.A.,* who represented the ITF Director-General/CEO. Mr. Ojo highlighted ITF’s transformative programs, including the Skill-Up Artisans Program (SUPA), which successfully trained 9,000 artisans in its pilot phase and now targets over 100,000 in its second phase. He emphasized that these initiatives are tailored to Nigeria’s manpower demands and international labor market trends.

Dr. Raji commended ITF’s decades-long impact on workforce development and emphasized the need for globally recognized skills certification and standards.

_“*Not everyone will be a doctor or lawyer, but many young Nigerians can become world-class artisans, technologists, and innovators—if we give them the right training and structure. That’s the essence of our collaboration with ITF,” Dr. Raji stated._*

He reiterated that *NBTI’s incubation model,* when integrated with ITF’s vocational training programs, would create sustainable livelihoods for Nigerian youths, transforming them into job creators and global players in emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and drone engineering.

*A Renewed Path to Prosperity.*

Both engagements ended with a firm commitment to jointly develop high-impact initiatives focused on MSME support, vocational skills training, innovation, and the deployment of emerging technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

*These partnerships are clear reflections of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s audacious and people-centered leadership.* *Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is witnessing a rebirth of purpose-driven governance that prioritizes innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.* The President’s bold policies and unshakable commitment to empowering Nigerian youths are creating unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development across all sectors.

“_*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has shown extraordinary courage and clarity of purpose in confronting Nigeria’s challenges with transformative solutions. His focus on youth empowerment, enterprise development, and innovation sets the stage for a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria,” Dr. Raji concluded._*

As Nigeria marches confidently toward *a knowledge-based economy, the NBTI, in partnership with SMEDAN, ITF,* and other forward-looking institutions, stands ready to drive the innovation ecosystem that will unlock the full potential of the Nigerian youth and MSMEs.

*Olajunmoke David*
*Chief Information and Public Relations Officer*
*National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)*

11/09/2025

*NBTI-Alfonso Group Champions Nigeria’s Tech Renaissance: A Strategic Leap into Electronics Manufacturing and Innovation.*

In a landmark stride towards reindustrializing Nigeria and redefining its place in the global technology landscape, *the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and Alfonso Group, through its Swiss-headquartered subsidiary, Alfera Technik,* have launched a transformative partnership aimed at propelling Nigeria to the forefront of consumer electronics, hardware manufacturing, and intelligent systems innovation.

This strategic collaboration bold in vision and grounded in economic necessity seeks to reposition Nigeria not only as a significant market but as a global powerhouse of production, powered by local ingenuity, advanced technologies, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

*During a high-level engagement at NBTI headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Alfonso Adebayo, Founder and CEO of Alfonso Group, articulated a compelling vision: to engineer a “New Technological Dawn” for Nigeria—anchored on artificial intelligence, indigenous hardware capabilities, and deep integration with the Nigeria First Policy championed by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.*

Dr. Adebayo noted that Nigeria currently imports *over $1.3 billion worth of consumer electronics annually*, a capital outflow that weakens foreign reserves and places financial strain on local consumers. This initiative is designed to reverse the tide, enabling Nigeria to produce, innovate, and export world-class electronics—designed by Nigerians, for Nigeria, and for Africa.

*Leveraging Nigeria’s youthful, tech-savvy population and abundant software talent, the initiative will bridge the long-standing hardware gap in the country’s innovation ecosystem through:*
• *The Alfera Training Centre for AI, Robotics, and Hardware Innovation*
• *State-of-the-art R&D Hubs for smart electronics and intelligent systems.*
• *Tech Experience Centers for sales, product support, and recycling.*
• *Renewable-powered production plants and e-waste recycling programs.*

This ambitious roadmap reflects Alfonso Group’s commitment to sustainable industrialization and inclusive innovation—blending its Swiss precision with African resilience and creativity.

*Responding on behalf of the Federal Government, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General/CEO of NBTI, expressed profound optimism and affirmed NBTI’s unwavering commitment to this historic alliance.* He lauded Alfonso Group’s alignment with global standards and *underscored the initiative’s resonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.*

“_*Under the bold and forward-thinking leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is entering a new era—one that reclaims our industrial destiny and catalyzes African-led innovation,” Dr. Raji stated._*

He further emphasized *NBTI’s unparalleled reach across all 36 states and 15 extension centers,* uniquely positioning it to facilitate nationwide support for innovators, manufacturers, and hardware entrepreneurs.

In addition to full institutional backing, Dr. Raji highlighted a range of federal incentives including the Pioneer Status Incentive, administered by *the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)which offers tax relief for qualifying investments in pioneering sectors.*

NBTI also committed to fostering linkages between Alfonso Group and a growing network of local innovators, spare part fabricators, and hardware technologists, forming a strong and self-sustaining domestic value chain.

*Notably, Dr. Raji announced the forthcoming Grand Finale of the Next Gen Innovation Challenge, scheduled for October 9, 2025 at Hilton London Paddington where 105 promising Nigerian tech innovators will pitch their solutions to global and UK-based investors.*
*This event represents a strategic avenue to attract foreign investment, scale indigenous solutions, and fast-track Nigeria’s rise as a regional tech manufacturing hub.*

The session concluded with mutual commitments: Alfonso Group will submit a comprehensive proposal outlining key areas for collaboration, while both parties reaffirmed their joint aspiration to birth a new industrial era that positions Nigeria and Africa as vanguards of global technological innovation.

*Olajumoke David*
*Chief Information and Public Relations Officer*
**National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Abuja*

01/09/2025

TIC LAFIA CENTRE MANAGER PARTICIPATION IN IDEATHON AT NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI.

The Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre Lafia Mr. Kapnan Nanlir was one of the three judges invited by Multivers x to participate in ideathon at the Department of Computer Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The event happened on Friday the 29th of August, 2025.

Multiverse x is a highly scalable, secure, and sustainable blockchain network designed to power Internet economy, decentralized applications, and enterprise use cases. It offers unmatched speed and efficiency, enabling developers and business to build next-generation solutions with global impact.

Ideathon brought together students, innovators, developers, and creative thinkers to explore solutions and build impactful ideas. It also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and empowering young talents.

14 participants pitched their ideas to the judges, with Team Gamma winning 1st place, X Syntax taking 2nd, and Alpha X coming 3rd. The Centre Manager Mr. Kapnan Nanlir also mentored participants on turning their ideas into tangible products.

The Centre Manager also visited Dr Binyamin Ajayi, HOD Computer Science in his office where they had discussion on how TIC Lafia and the department can partner to provide an enabling environment for young tech startups.

Haruna Isyaku
Assistant Chief Programme Analyst
TIC Lafia

30/08/2025

*FG Inaugurates Institutional-Based Technology Incubation Center at Fedpoffa*

*Fedpoffa Mgt., Offa Community Stakeholders Commend DG NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji*

Fedpoffa Mgt., Offa Community Stakeholders Commend DG NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), has officially inaugurated an Institutional-Based Technology Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFF...

29/08/2025

NEXTGEN FINALISTS PRESENTATION AT TIC LAFIA.

LAFIA - 27TH August 2025.

The Centre Manager Mr Kapnan Nanlir and Staff of Technology incubation Centre Lafia welcomed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs Chammany Atinuke, in company of the Permanent Secretary were Mr Mohammed Wakama (Director ) and Apla Peter John (Deputy Director) of Nasarawa state Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation.

The purpose of the visit was to attend the official presentation of the innovative solutions developed by the three (3) NEXTGEN FINALISTS from Nasarawa state. The Permanent Secretary and her team were given the opportunity to witness directly and also interact personally with the innovators.

The Visit is part of the overall collaborative efforts by the CM to facilitate government sponsorship for the three (3) finalists to attend the Grand finale scheduled to hold in London,UK on the 25th September 2025.

The Hallmark of the presentation witnessed the unveiling of the following innovative products

1) MENTSQ : A mentorship collaborative platform that uses AI to streamline and coordinate learning experience between Mentors and Mentees

2) JUSTICE AI : An AI powered Law enforcement and investigation Assistant.

3) SEMA : An AI platform that translates and transcribes languages to text with emphasis on low resource languages.

The Ministry officials were impressed with the innovations, the Permanent Secretary advised the finalists to continue to work and perfect their innovations as they are bound to face a very stiff assessment from the panalist.

She further encouraged the innovator with MENTSQ to inculcate learning models that are tailored to suit pupils and secondary education students as this will provide a wide leverage of learning experience to be accessible to early learners and youth populations.

The CM critically assessed each of the presentations during the sessions and also gave staff the opportunity to make assessments and inputs were necessary. In Conclusion, He notified them that the Centre will work closely with them to rejig their ideas and also improve on their ability to effectively communicate their innovation.

Lyam Edmond
ACAO
TIC LAFIA.

29/08/2025

27th August, 2025.

*Courtesy Visit to the Honourable Commissioner, Nasarawa State Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Permanent Secretary, Government House Lafia*

(26th August, 2025)

The Centre Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Lafia, Mr. Nanlir A. Kapnan, accompanied by two management staff members, Mr. Abubakar Jawad and Mr. Haruna Isyaka paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner of Science and Technology, Nasarawa State, Mr. Agbashi Gabriel Anyankwu (Agbogidi), as well as the Permanent Secretary, Government House Lafia, Mr. Umar Idris, on Monday, 26th August 2025.

The purpose of the visit was twofold:
1. To brief the State Government on the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, particularly the sponsorship of three finalists from Nasarawa State who will be representing the country at the Grand Finale scheduled to hold in London, United Kingdom, on 25th September 2025.
2. To present a letter of appreciation from the Director-General/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) to His Excellency, the Governor of Nasarawa State, in recognition of the government’s support to the Centre, including the provision of a brand-new Peugeot 301 vehicle and the upgrade of the Centre’s transformer from 200 KVA to 500 KVA.

While briefing the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Kapnan appealed on behalf of the participants for the State Government’s assistance in expediting the visa process to ensure timely participation in the London event.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner expressed his delight at the development and commended NBTI and the Centre for giving young innovators from Nasarawa State such an opportunity. He further assured that the matter would be discussed with His Excellency, the Governor, during the next Executive Council meeting. Given the urgency, he also promised to prepare a memo ahead of the meeting to facilitate quick action.

The Centre Manager also reminded the Honourable Commissioner of the upcoming demonstration showcase by the three participants, scheduled for Thursday, 28th August 2025.

In conclusion, the Honourable Commissioner thanked the Centre Manager and his team for the visit and assured them of the Ministry’s maximum cooperation in all ongoing and future initiatives.

Signed:
Abubakar Jawad
ACPO
TIC, Lafia

23/08/2025

Dear Esteemed NBTI Team,

*Empowering Mobility: NBTI and PiCNG Forge Ahead with Sustainable Transport*

It is with great pleasure and deep appreciation that I announce the successful delivery of *a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus to our headquarters in Abuja today, courtesy of the *Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG).*

This remarkable milestone was made possible through the *outstanding leadership of Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director/CEO of PiCNG, who personally facilitated the handover of the bus to our DG/CEO.* It reflects the strength of the growing collaboration and strategic partnership between NBTI and PiCNG — a relationship rooted in innovation, sustainability, and national service.

Out of the three CNG buses graciously allocated to NBTI, today marks the arrival of the first. Once the remaining two are delivered, these buses will significantly enhance the daily transportation experience of our Abuja staff, providing a cleaner, safer, and more efficient mobility solution.

This development is not just about buses — it’s about progress, people, and purpose. Let us receive this with joy, as a testament to what we can achieve together through shared vision and inter-agency cooperation.

Thank you all for your dedication. Brighter days are ahead!

*Dr Kazeem Kolawole RAJI*
*Director General/CEO*
*National Board For Technology Incubation (NBTI)*