NBTI Secures 4% National Development Levy as Raji Unveils One-Year Innovation Reforms in Abuja
By Aluta News
January 20, 2026
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has declared that Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new era of financial sovereignty, global relevance and institutional renewal, following a year of sweeping reforms at the agency.
Speaking at a World Press Conference held at Atiku Hall, Federal Secretariat Phase II, Abuja, Dr. Raji said the last twelve months marked “a moment of institutional reflection, national accountability and strategic declaration” for Nigeria’s technology incubation system.
“This occasion is more than a ceremonial anniversary. It is a statement to Nigeria and to the world that innovation, technology and indigenous enterprise are now firmly embedded at the heart of our national development trajectory,” he said.
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Drives Innovation Shift
Dr. Raji paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “bold reform and courageous policy execution,” noting that innovation is now central to national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria First Policy.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, innovation is no longer peripheral—it is strategic, central and non-negotiable,” he stated.
He said NBTI’s transformation was “presidentially enabled, policy-driven and nationally inspired.”
Historic Financial Breakthrough for NBTI
One of the highlights of the address was the announcement of a statutory allocation of four percent of the National Development Levy to NBTI under the Tax Reform Acts 2025 — the first in the agency’s history.
“For the first time, NBTI is backed by a predictable, sustainable and independent revenue framework,” Dr. Raji said, adding that the development would free the agency from overdependence on annual budget cycles.
He commended the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for what he described as “exceptional legislative foresight and steadfast support.”
“This single policy outcome permanently redefines NBTI’s institutional strength and relevance,” he said.
Institutional Reforms and Staff Welfare
The DG disclosed that NBTI had introduced major governance reforms, including computer-based promotion examinations, policy clarification, improved welfare packages and expanded training programmes.
“An institution performs best when its people are valued, empowered and trusted,” he noted.
NextGen Innovation Challenge Gains Global Recognition
Dr. Raji highlighted the international success of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, which culminated in a grand finale in London in October 2025.
According to him, the programme attracted over 3,000 applications, showcased 105 Nigerian innovators globally and secured £1.5 million in clean energy investment.
“The Commonwealth has now adopted the NextGen Innovation Challenge across all 56 member countries,” he announced, describing it as “a major validation of Nigerian innovation on the global stage.”
He also revealed that Innovate UK would admit 20 Nigerian innovators into its ecosystem in 2026 on a fully funded basis.
Launch of NBTI Global Marketplace
Dr. Raji unveiled NATImart, NBTI’s global digital marketplace designed to connect Nigerian products to international buyers.
“When fully operational, the platform is projected to facilitate between one and five billion dollars in annual transactions,” he said, adding that it would create thousands of jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s export base.
NextGen 2026: Focus on AI, Green Energy and Women in Tech
Looking ahead, the DG said NextGen 2026 would prioritise emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics, green energy, climate resilience and gender-inclusive innovation.
“NextGen is no longer an emerging initiative. It is a global innovation platform designed to scale ideas, unlock capital and deliver real economic impact,” he said.
Renewed Commitment
In his closing remarks, Dr. Raji reaffirmed his commitment to building an innovation-driven economy.
“NBTI has regained confidence. Innovators have regained hope. Nigeria has gained momentum,” he declared.
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