Dr. Raji Champions Product Excellence & Industrial Growth Through Innovation

The Director General/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has passionately called on staff and entrepreneurs under the Board’s incubation programme to prioritize product quality as a strategic pillar for successful commercialization and global competitiveness.

During his recent tour of Technology Incubation Centres (TICs) in Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan last week, Dr. Raji emphasized that quality is the heartbeat of sustainable business growth. “Quality products deliver exceptional customer experiences, encourage repeat purchases, and foster brand loyalty,” he said. “This is how our entrepreneurs will gain stability and scale in the market.”

He urged Nigerians to patronize locally made products, lamenting the continued preference for imported goods—many of which are of lesser quality and contribute to capital flight. “We have world-class products made right here in Nigeria. Supporting them is not only patriotic—it is essential for job creation and national development,” Dr. Raji stated.

Highlighting the need for globally benchmarked product testing facilities, he directed the immediate upgrade of laboratories across all TICs and cautioned against compromising quality assurance processes. “Our laboratories must be the gatekeepers of excellence. There must be zero tolerance for shortcuts,” he warned.

Dr. Raji also underscored the importance of strategic collaboration. “NBTI is forging strong alliances with relevant agencies to create a seamless business environment for our entrepreneurs. Partnership is the pathway to progress.”

Since assuming office in January 2025, Dr. Raji has initiated high-level engagements with several government institutions, strengthening inter-agency synergies for the benefit of incubated enterprises. Under his leadership, NBTI has made significant strides, including the successful passage of the NBTI Establishment Bill through the House of Representatives—now awaiting concurrence in the Senate.

“This landmark legislation, once enacted, will anchor NBTI on a solid legal foundation for the first time in its history, replacing the outdated military-era decree,” he said.

Commending the resilience of entrepreneurs who continue to innovate despite challenges, Dr. Raji reassured them of the Federal Government’s unwavering support through the Technology Incubation Programme.

He affirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, includes plans to establish more TICs, Technology Parks, and Innovation Hubs across all geopolitical zones. “These Parks will serve as launchpads for graduates of our incubation programme, allowing them to scale operations, harness local raw materials, and contribute meaningfully to national prosperity,” he added.

Dr. Raji lauded President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and bold policies aimed at transforming Nigeria into a globally industrialized nation, especially the administration’s strategic engagement with international blocs like BRICS.

The ongoing inspection tour is part of Dr. Raji’s commitment to ensure that every region and state benefits from a robust, innovation-driven incubation ecosystem.