The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation organised by Nigeria LNG Limited has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by encouraging scientific research, technological development and creative problem-solving across the country.
Speaking during the handover of entries for the 2026 edition of the prize, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, said the initiative was designed to promote scientific breakthroughs capable of driving national development and economic sustainability.
Horsfall noted that in today’s digital age, innovation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Communication Technology and digital infrastructure had become critical to Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
According to her, the prize provides a credible platform for Nigerian scientists, researchers and innovators to showcase discoveries that can compete globally while addressing local challenges.
She said the decision by the advisory board not to declare a winner in the 2025 edition despite receiving 112 entries demonstrated the commitment of the organisers to maintaining international standards.
“It would have been easier to select the strongest submission and proceed with an award, even where the standard had not been fully met,” she stated.
She explained that rather than lowering standards after the outcome of the 2025 edition, NLNG intensified public engagement through roadshows, collaborations with innovation hubs, scientific festivals, academic institutions and the media.
The renewed engagement, she said, resulted in a record 237 submissions for the 2026 competition, the highest since the prize was established.
Industry stakeholders believe the growing participation reflects increasing awareness among Nigerian researchers that innovation and scientific excellence are essential tools for national growth, industrialisation and job creation.
Analysts also say the prize is helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions by encouraging scientists to focus on innovations with measurable social and economic impact.
The 2026 edition of the prize retains the theme: “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.”
Horsfall said the focus on digital technology was deliberate because such innovations remain central to global economic transformation and sustainable development.
The entries were formally handed over to the advisory board chaired by Barth Nnaji and the panel of judges for adjudication.

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