FG Extends Project BRIDGE Research Cluster Application Deadline to April 27

The Federal Government has extended the application deadline for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE from April 13 to April 27, 2026.

The update was disclosed by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in a statement on X.

The digital economy research valued at N12 billion was first announced in November 2025 as part of the Federal Government’s plan to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital landscape.

What the minister is saying 

According to Tijani, the extension follows strong interest from institutions nationwide, reflecting growing engagement with the government’s push to strengthen research-driven digital transformation.

• He urged universities and research institutions to take advantage of the extended window to submit their expressions of interest.
• He also encouraged Vice-Chancellors, research leaders, and academic institutions across the country to review the programme’s terms and submit proposals through the official application portal.

The programme is designed to support ideas and research that will shape Nigeria’s digital future, noting that investments in knowledge and innovation remain critical to building a resilient economy.

Get up to speed 

The Federal Government opened the expression of interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters on March 29, 2026.

The Clusters is a flagship initiative under Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), a government-backed programme aimed at expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

• Project BRIDGE, supported by World Bank financing, includes plans to deploy over 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone across the country to improve connectivity and enable a modern digital economy.
• The research clusters programme was introduced to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation is guided by data, evidence, and locally driven insights rather than external models or short-term policy trends.

What you should know 

Eligible institutions are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under one or more of the six thematic research clusters defined under Project BRIDGE, ensuring that each application clearly aligns with the selected cluster’s focus area.

• The six clusters include Connectivity and Access, Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Skills and Inclusion, Digital Economy and Jobs, Trust and Online Safety, and Artificial Intelligence, with each cluster carrying an indicative budget of $1.5 million.
• Submissions are to be made either via email to Projectbridge@fmcide.gov.ng or delivered physically to the designated address provided by the Ministry.
• Applications must be submitted in written form.