Nigeria’s recent entry into the BRICS alliance is creating new global pathways for local innovators, according to the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Kazeem Raji.

Speaking on Wednesday at the National Showcase: NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 in Abuja, Raji said the country’s engagement with BRICS — a bloc representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, grants Nigerian startups direct access to markets covering over 40% of the world’s population and trillions of dollars in trade.

“This partnership sends a message loud and clear: Nigeria is not just catching up; Nigeria is taking the lead,” he said.

“Every entry, every idea, is a vote of confidence in the future we are building—a future authored by Nigerians, for Nigeria, and for a world in desperate need of new thinking,” Raji added.

He described the event as a game-changing platform aimed at highlighting the creativity of Nigerian innovators and positioning their solutions for global recognition.

“Our theme for this National Showcase, ‘Igniting Indigenous Ingenuity: Nigerian Solutions, Global Impact,’ captures the essence of this gathering. It is not just a slogan,” he said.

“It is a declaration—bold, unflinching, and resolute—that Nigeria’s time to lead with innovation is now.”

He commended the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is undergoing a bold and deliberate transformation—anchored on the renewed hope agenda, the Nigeria first policy, and now, Nigeria’s historic inclusion in the BRICS economic alliance.

“These are not just policies and partnerships; they are platforms—designed to elevate our homegrown talent, strengthen our sovereignty, and power a new era of innovation-led development,” he said.

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, called on the private sector and international organisations to invest in Nigerian innovators, emphasizing that their solutions have the potential to transform lives and drive meaningful development.

“I urge you to invest in these innovators. What you see today is just a glimpse of what Nigeria has to offer,” he said.

“These young men and women don’t just have ideas—they have solutions, blueprints, and scalable products that can redefine industries and transform lives.”

Nnaji revealed that the innovation challenge received over 3,000 entries from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting the depth of talent and creativity across the country.

“From this incredible pool of talent, 74 finalists have emerged—each one a testament to the ingenuity, courage, and brilliance that define the Nigerian spirit,” he added.

He noted that innovation is central to governance and national development under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“That’s why we are investing in digital transformation, expanding access to science and technology education, and reforming our innovation ecosystem to reduce bureaucracy and open doors to capital, mentorship, and market access,” the minister said.

“Today, we are seeing the practical fruits of that vision. From clean energy to agric-tech, fintech, edtech, AI, and deep-tech solutions, our young innovators are proving that Nigeria is not just consuming technology; we are creating it.”