The Federal Government of Nigeria has awarded ₦100 million to an innovator from Abia State, Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula, for emerging as the overall winner in a nationwide innovation initiative. This initiative, driven by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in partnership with AfriLabs, aims to strengthen Nigeria's innovation ecosystem and promote the commercialization of homegrown technologies.
The innovation initiative, which culminated in the 2026 InnovateNaija Final Pitch Event and Awards Ceremony in Abuja, recognized 15 national finalists. Akpagbula, co-founder of Farm Speak and developer of the PenKeep Smart Poultry Climate Control System, won the top prize for her innovation designed to help farmers manage climate-related challenges in poultry, aquaculture, greenhouse, and smart irrigation systems.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, commended the quality of innovations showcased by young Nigerians, demonstrating the depth of talent available across the country. He emphasized the administration's focus on ensuring that Nigerian innovations move beyond ideas and prototypes to the marketplace.
To achieve this, the administration aims to connect researchers and innovators with investors, industries, and other stakeholders capable of supporting commercialization. This, Udeh said, would enable innovators and researchers to generate revenue from their work while contributing to economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods.
The Minister also disclosed that President Tinubu had forwarded a bill to the National Assembly seeking the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund. This fund would provide dedicated funding for research, inventions, and innovations with commercial potential.
The government's innovation drive is being complemented by the partnership between NASENI and AfriLabs, which has expanded InnovateNaija beyond Nigeria's major technology centers to communities across the country. This partnership has reached more than 3,500 young Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, the organization worked closely with NASENI to create a platform capable of identifying, supporting, and celebrating innovators regardless of their location. The initiative provides young Nigerians with mentorship, technical support, funding, market access, and visibility, with innovations spanning agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and climate technology.
Key points
- The Federal Government awards ₦100 million to Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula for her climate-smart poultry technology.
- The administration aims to connect researchers and innovators with investors and stakeholders to support commercialization.
- The partnership between NASENI and AfriLabs has reached over 3,500 young Nigerians across the country.
