Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has performed the foundation-laying ceremony for a new Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja, aimed at supporting young innovators, developing digital skills and helping startups turn their ideas into marketable products.
The project is a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is valued at approximately $10.4 million, depending on the exchange rate, according to NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oluremi Tinubu described the hub as an important step towards technological advancement, youth empowerment and digital inclusion across Nigeria.
She said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises entrepreneurship, skills development and sustainable job creation for young Nigerians.
Addressing young innovators, the First Lady said the facility was designed to help them develop their ideas into practical solutions that could compete in international markets.
“To our young innovators, this Start-Up Hub is yours. You can arrive here with a sketch and leave with a working prototype that takes you into the global market space,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Japanese government and JICA for supporting the project, describing the partnership as a recognition of the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy and its young population.
According to her, collaboration between Nigeria and Japan has contributed to other development projects and initiatives, particularly in areas that support technology and innovation.
In his remarks, NITDA Director-General Abdullahi said the agency’s partnership with JICA, which began in 2021, had focused on strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through capacity building, knowledge transfer, infrastructure development and international collaboration.
He explained that the new hub would serve as a centre for startup development, industry engagement and coordination among players in the innovation ecosystem.
The facility is expected to improve access to infrastructure, technical expertise and mentorship, while creating opportunities for Nigerian innovators to collaborate with international partners.
Abdullahi described the investment as part of a wider Japan–Nigeria initiative to support startups and strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in education and technology.
He said Japan was encouraged by the improving economic environment in Nigeria and remained willing to deepen its partnerships with the country.
The project adds to ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young Nigerians in technology and entrepreneurship. Its impact will depend on how effectively the facility provides innovators with the resources, guidance and connections needed to develop sustainable businesses and bring new ideas to market.
The First Lady’s media aide, Busola Kukoyi, announced the development in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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