The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has pledged to accelerate the commercialisation of homegrown innovations showcased at the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2026), reinforcing the Federal Government’s push to transform research outputs into market-ready solutions.
The commitment comes as subnational governments increasingly position technology as a lever for economic growth, public sector efficiency and social development.
Initiatives highlighted at ETF 2026 include the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen security architecture; digitisation and automation of the judicial system; deployment of e-governance solutions across the public service; and the rollout of Smart Green Schools designed to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
ETF 2026: Enugu’s digital transformation drive
Enugu State’s digital transformation agenda has centred on infrastructure expansion and public sector digitisation aimed at improving service delivery and quality of life.
Initiatives highlighted at ETF 2026 include the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen security architecture; digitisation and automation of the judicial system; deployment of e-governance solutions across the public service; and the rollout of Smart Green Schools designed to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Speaking at the four-day festival held from February 24–27, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, positioned Enugu State as a leading example of technology-driven governance at the subnational level.
He described the state as a model of innovation excellence and a demonstration of how digital tools can be embedded across governance, security, education and public administration.
ETF 2026: From research to revenue
Udeh said ETF 2026 marks a turning point in Nigeria’s innovation trajectory, signalling a shift from dependence on imported technologies to indigenous solutions powered by local talent and research institutions.
“ETF is not just a festival of ideas,” the Minister said. “It is a platform for converting innovation into measurable economic value. The Federal Government is prioritising the commercialisation of research and competitive outcomes to ensure that innovations move beyond laboratories and exhibitions into the marketplace, creating jobs, generating income, and delivering real solutions to Nigerians.”
The Ministry, Udeh said, is strengthening an innovation ecosystem that links researchers, start-ups, investors and industry players to drive scale, investment readiness and long-term sustainability. He added that commercially viable innovations presented at ETF 2026 would receive institutional support to transition from prototype or concept stage into practical application.
National innovation strategy
At the festival, FMIST reiterated its broader mandate to energise, industrialise and commercialise Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation capacity, positioning the sector as a central pillar of economic diversification. The Ministry said its focus is to ensure that scientific research, academic breakthroughs and startup innovations are not confined to exhibitions, but translated into enterprise, employment and export potential, aligning innovation policy with Nigeria’s wider digital economy ambitions.
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