The increase was driven largely by telecommunications activity, which accounted for 7.29% of total GDP. Other components of the ICT sector — including publishing, motion picture and music production, and broadcasting — contributed less than 3% combined.

The NBS said the sector recorded year-on-year growth of 26.34% in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 17.97% in the same period of 2024. Quarter-on-quarter growth stood at 19.58%.

Overall, ICT sector growth reached 24.96% in 2025, nearly double the 12.68% recorded the previous year.

In nominal terms, the sector contributed 9.19% to GDP in the fourth quarter, higher than 8.55% in the corresponding quarter of 2024 and 8.31% in the preceding quarter.

In real terms, the sector grew 7.55% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, representing a 0.55 percentage point increase compared with the same period in 2024. Quarter-on-quarter real growth was 18.75%.

For the full year, the ICT sector expanded by 6.85%, up from 5.57% in 2024, with its annual GDP contribution rising to 10.07%.

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Economic activities in the telecommunications industry significantly boosted the contribution of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as the sector added 10.07 per cent in 2025.

This was disclosed in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2025 GDP report released on Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figure represents an increase from the 9.79 per cent contribution recorded in 2024.

According to the NBS, the ICT sector, for GDP calculation purposes, comprises Telecommunications and Information Services; Publishing; Motion Picture, Sound Recording and Music Production; and Broadcasting.

Out of the total 10.07 per cent annual contribution in 2025, telecommunications alone accounted for 7.29 per cent, leaving the remaining sub-sectors with less than three per cent combined contribution.

The NBS data further showed that in the fourth quarter of 2025, the ICT sector recorded a year-on-year growth rate of 26.34 per cent. This represents an 8.37 percentage point increase compared to the 17.97 per cent growth recorded in the same quarter of 2024, and 5.46 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

Quarter-on-quarter growth in Q4 2025 stood at 19.58 per cent. Overall, the sector’s annual growth rose to 24.96 per cent in 2025, nearly doubling the 12.68 per cent recorded in 2024.

In nominal terms, the Information and Communications sector contributed 9.19 per cent to total GDP in Q4 2025, higher than the 8.55 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024 and above the 8.31 per cent posted in the preceding quarter.

In real terms, the sector grew by 7.55 per cent year-on-year in Q4 2025, reflecting a 0.55 percentage point increase from the same period in 2024. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, real growth stood at 18.75 per cent. Overall, the sector expanded by 6.85 per cent in 2025, compared to 5.57 per cent in 2024.

Of total real GDP, the ICT sector contributed 9.64 per cent in Q4 2025, up from 9.32 per cent in the same quarter of the previous year and 9.10 per cent in the preceding quarter.

The NBS stated that the annual contribution of 10.07 per cent recorded in 2025 marks a steady improvement from the 9.79 per cent achieved in 2024.

Industry observers attribute the strong telecom performance to deliberate regulatory efforts aimed at increasing the sector’s GDP contribution. Recently, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Commission and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are working on policies to raise the telecom sector’s contribution to 25 per cent.

Maida noted that the sector previously achieved a 14.58 per cent contribution before GDP rebasing and expressed optimism that it could surpass 25 per cent if existing challenges are addressed.

“Myself and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are working very closely, looking at the right policies to ensure sustainability for an industry that has done so well for the country with 14 per cent GDP contribution. We believe we can do 25 per cent and above,” he said at a telecoms forum in Lagos.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s overall GDP grew by 4.07 per cent year-on-year in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a stronger economic expansion compared to earlier quarters.

In Q3 2025, GDP grew by 3.98 per cent year-on-year in real terms, an improvement over the 3.86 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2024, according to the NBS report.

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By Abbas Badmus,

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for technology and innovation, as he rewarded outstanding student innovators at the Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025, held on Monday in Ilorin.

The event, themed “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation,” showcased the creativity of young coders and inventors trained under the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme, a state-led initiative that has trained over 5,604 students across 50 public schools in all 16 local government areas between August 2024 and October 2025.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who presented cash prizes to top-performing schools, described the exhibition as a reflection of his government’s strategic vision to build a generation of digitally skilled problem-solvers ready for the global economy.

“Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transforming Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empowering our youth to lead the digital revolution,” AbdulRazaq said.

“For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented.”

At the competition, United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, emerged overall winner of the 2025 Kwara Futures Innovation Challenge, taking home the N1 million grand prize. Ilorin Grammar School and Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, came second and third, winning N500,000 and N250,000, respectively.

The student teams presented an impressive array of projects including a Smart School Attendance System, Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast App, Python-Based Banking Simulation, Expense Visualiser, and an Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker App—innovations that earned wide praise from judges and industry stakeholders.

AbdulRazaq commended Hon. Kayode Ishola, his Special Assistant on Digital Innovations, for spearheading the initiative, describing the programme as a “legacy project” that bridges the gap between education and opportunity.

“Young techies, your vision is our blueprint,” the governor told the students. “Together, we’ll ensure Kwara doesn’t just appear on the map—we’ll redefine it as a global hub for tomorrow’s solutions. The future is here, and it’s Kwara’s to claim.”

In his remarks, Hon. Ishola said the exhibition marked the fulfilment of the governor’s vision for a “digital Kwara where every child can learn, create, and compete globally.”

“When His Excellency approved the pilot phase of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme in 2024, it was not merely an experiment; it was a strategic intervention to prepare our children for the future of work,” Ishola noted.

He revealed that over 120 instructors—including NYSC members, ICT teachers, and digital volunteers—had been deployed across the state, with 60 per cent of participating schools located in rural or underserved areas, thereby bridging the urban-rural digital divide.

Ishola also unveiled the next phase of the programme, which will expand to 100 schools, establish Innovation Learning Centres in each senatorial district, and launch ‘Girls Code Kwara’, an initiative targeting 60 per cent female participation in technology by 2026.

“Kwara is not just catching up. We are setting the pace for what subnational governments can achieve through vision and willpower,” he said.

Kwara’s Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, highlighted that the coding and digital literacy programme underscores the administration’s commitment to youth development.

“When you look at the budget, the highest we met for education was about 5 per cent. I’m proud to say this administration has raised it to around 14 per cent,” Olohungbebe stated, noting that the governor prioritizes the future of young people.

Other dignitaries, including the Commissioners for Communications, Business, Innovation and Technology, and Social Development, lauded AbdulRazaq’s leadership in promoting innovation and inclusion through education.

A representative of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Funmilayo Obi, also praised the governor’s youth-focused policies.

“Your Excellency, you are showing Nigeria and the world that when we invest in our youth, we invest in a future that is timeless, inclusive, and extraordinary,” she said.

The Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025 reaffirmed the state’s growing reputation as a rising center for digital innovation, driven by forward-looking policies and the creativity of its young generation.

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In nominal terms, ICT expanded by 21.39% year-on-year in Q2 2025, more than doubling the 10.21% growth recorded in the same quarter of 2024. However, it was 10.25 percentage points slower than the growth pace seen in the previous quarter. The sector’s contribution to nominal GDP stood at 10.00%, slightly above 9.82% in Q2 2024 but marginally below the 10.29% contribution in Q1 2025. The NBS noted that ICT remains one of the strongest performers within the non-oil economy, helping to drive overall GDP expansion.

The non-oil sector grew by 3.64% in real terms in Q2 2025, higher than the 3.26% recorded a year earlier and the 3.19% posted in Q1 2025. Apart from ICT, key growth drivers included Agriculture (Crop production), Real Estate, Financial Institutions, Trade, Construction, and Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply. Overall, the non-oil sector contributed 95.95% to Nigeria’s real GDP in Q2 2025, underscoring the economy’s increasing reliance on sectors outside crude oil. Although this share was slightly lower than the 96.49% contribution recorded in Q2 2024, ICT’s rising momentum highlights its growing importance as both a stabilizer and growth catalyst for the Nigerian economy.

Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% year-on-year in real terms in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marks a stronger performance than the 3.48% recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. The report shows that aggregate GDP at basic prices stood at N100.73 trillion in nominal terms, compared with N84.48 trillion in Q2 2024, representing a nominal growth of 19.23% year-on-year. The oil sector drove much of the growth momentum, with average daily crude oil production rising to 1.68 million barrels per day (mbpd), higher than the 1.41 mbpd recorded in Q2 2024 and 1.62 mbpd in Q1 2025.

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The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated this yesterday, at the opening of Lagos Edition of GITEX Nigeria 2025 conference and exhibition.

Tijani, in his keynote address, rallied global investors to Nigeria, saying the country is ripe for investments, especially within the startup ecosystem.

According to him, Nigeria is the largest telecom market in Africa and currently contributes between 16 per cent and 18 per cent to GDP, “but we are targeting 21 per cent contribution from the ICT sector by 2027”.

Tijani, who called on global investors to see Nigeria as a new investment destination, stressed the importance of the Lagos ecosystem, saying the state is seen as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

According to him, about 2000 people are added daily to the Lagos population.

Tijani said that despite the challenges, five to six of Africa’s unicorns are actually from Nigeria. He added that the state is home to the largest technology hubs in the region.

Outside the tech ecosystem, he said the state has enabled Africa’s creative heartbeat, the Nollyhood, where about $15 billion is projected to be created by the creative economy in the coming years.

He disclosed that starting from October 1, the Federal Government will fund 75 new research projects in digital innovation under a N75 million scheme.

Tijani said the N75 million initiative is targeted at researchers, startups, corporates and the Nigerian diaspora, with the aim of deepening participation in digital innovation and building a resilient ecosystem capable of competing globally.

In his address, Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, said the Lagos technology ecosystem is fast becoming phenomenal, saying that in the last five years over $6 billion startups funds have entered the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who described it as an honor and mindsetting goals for the state to host the event, said people across the globe defied the challenges of the environment to be in Nigeria, specifically Abuja and Lagos.

“A state of between 20 million and 22 million strong people with all tribes represented. The diversity of the state fuels startup ecosystem growth with over $6 billion startups funds entered the state in the last five years. We can also boast of hyperscale data centres, increased fibre infrastructure and landing of submarine cable systems.

“Today, 70 per cent of tech economy gains coming to Nigeria are sitting in Lagos. We believe that governance in the 24th century must be digital,” he stated.

According to him, the state is ready to further support the ecosystem by ensuring an investment-friendly environment, stabilized by policies.

Speaking, the Director-General, National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullah, Nigeria, is the crucible of development.

According to him, Nigeria has started a journey that will ensure that it builds solutions that will help startups scale up by as much as 10 times.

“As a nation, the vision is clear; economic diversification and infrastructure development. So many disruptions are going to emerge from here. Investors should come to Nigeria, though we can do it “without you, but we should do it together.”

On her part, Lohmirmand, Nigeria, is ranked as one of the fastest-rising and growing Fintechs in the world. She added that Nigerians scale with resilience, not just capital.

“Nigeria is global, they beat countries like Mumbai, Turkey and many more countries with Fintechs and startups,” she stated.

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This marks a sharp rise from the 3.40% nominal growth recorded in Q1 2024, and a 13.67 percentage point jump compared to the previous quarter. The sector’s contribution to nominal GDP also climbed to 10.29%, up from 9.25% in Q1 2024 and 8.55% in Q4 2024.

In real terms (adjusted for inflation), the ICT sector grew by 7.40% year-on-year, up 3.36 percentage points from Q1 2024. However, it experienced a seasonal slowdown with an -8.86% quarter-on-quarter decline—typical of the post-holiday dip in digital consumption.

Despite the quarterly contraction, ICT’s real GDP contribution rose to 10.59%, affirming its expanding significance.

The sector, as defined by NBS, includes Telecommunications, Publishing, Motion Picture, Sound Recording, Music Production, and Broadcasting—with telecommunications being the leading contributor.

Following a GDP rebasing exercise in January 2025, the NBS adopted 2019 as the new base year due to its economic stability. This change resulted in a significant upward revision of Nigeria’s nominal GDP estimates, with a 35.4% increase recorded for 2024 alone.

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The new initiative, called Blueprint-ICT-Dev, was officially launched in Abuja and aims to upgrade ICT infrastructure, modernize e-learning platforms, and build the digital skills of both students and faculty.

The funding will cover state-of-the-art computer labs, high-speed campus internet, smart classrooms, and specialized training programs to prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Speaking at the launch, NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Chris Maiyaki emphasized that the program aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which targets widespread digital literacy and innovation-driven growth.

“This partnership goes beyond hardware — it’s about developing our students’ capacity to compete globally,” Maiyaki said.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, described the collaboration as a testament to France’s commitment to strengthening educational and technological ties with Nigeria.

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By Tahir Ahmad,

Northern Nigeria is often overlooked in conversations about technological innovation, but a new wave of ICT inventors from the region is challenging that narrative.

These individuals are not just building apps or running startups—they are redefining what is possible in communities historically underrepresented in Nigeria’s tech evolution.

Here are five standout inventors from Northern Nigeria whose work is reshaping the region’s ICT landscape:

1. Mohammed Ibrahim Jega – The Startup Mobilizer

Mohammed Jega, founder of StartUp Arewa, is a pioneer in northern tech development. Since 2016, his initiative has mentored and supported ICT talents across 19 northern states.

Jega has championed the creation of innovation hubs in places like Gombe, Yobe, and Katsina—transforming them into mini tech ecosystems. His work focuses on using digital tools to solve local problems, from agriculture to financial inclusion.

2. Maryam Lawan Gwadabe – The Hub Builder

At just 24, Maryam founded Blue Sapphire Hub in Kano—arguably the city’s first tech-preneurship centre. Since 2017, the hub has incubated dozens of startups, hosted coding bootcamps, and provided digital skills training for youth and women.

Her Young Minds Ideation programme introduced entrepreneurship and tech innovation to hundreds of secondary school students.

3. Mustapha Gajibo – The Electric Vehicle Innovator

Based in Borno State, Mustapha Gajibo is making global headlines with Phoenix Renewables, where he engineers solar-powered electric vehicles.

His EVs—built completely from scratch in Nigeria—can cover up to 200 kilometers on a single charge. Gajibo also converts old petrol buses to electric, a feat unmatched in Sub-Saharan Africa.

His innovation addresses both transport challenges and climate concerns.

4. Amal Hassan – The Outsourcing Powerhouse

Amal is the founder of Outsource Global, a leading ICT firm providing services like call center operations, software development, and cloud services. Her company has trained and employed thousands—many of them women—in Northern Nigeria.

Amal is also mentoring the next generation of female ICT professionals, breaking barriers in a male-dominated sector.

5. Sanusi Ismaila – The Ecosystem Engineer

As founder of CoLab in Kaduna and co-founder of Aduna Capital, Sanusi has built infrastructure for innovation in Northern Nigeria.

CoLab is Kaduna’s first innovation hub, supporting developers and digital creatives. Through Aduna Capital, Sanusi now funds startups—especially those led by women—in healthtech, edtech, and agritech sectors.

These five innovators are not just building businesses—they are laying down the digital foundations of a new North.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. At platforms like the Arewa Tech Fest, a regional innovation summit backed by public and private stakeholders, their work is being celebrated, scaled, and supported.

From coding labs to clean energy vehicles, the tech revolution in Northern Nigeria is being engineered by its own people—bold thinkers with local roots and global visions.

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By Lukman Oladokun 

As part of its contribution to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) social investment programme, the Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairperson, RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commissioned another ICT Community Centre constructed by the National Information Technology Development Agency in collaboration with the RHI at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Speaking at the fun-filled event organised for the commissioning, the wife of the President commended NITDA for its impactful efforts in bridging the digital divide across the country.

She said, ” So far, NITDA has constructed four Community ICT Centres in collaboration with RHI for its social investment purposes. This centre we are commissioning today is the second, while Benue and Oyo centres are ready to be commissioned soon.”

“Other Digital Economy Centres have also been fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials in five states namely Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, additional 10 Digital Economy Centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe and Zamfara states are also fully equipped with computers and ICT materials and will be ready for commissioning soon.

While acknowledging that the knowledge of ICT serves as a vital tool for empowering communities especially women which enable them to break traditional barriers and new opportunities, Senator Tinubu declared that she has been informed that these centres are greatly benefiting youths, especially women and girls by providing invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment.

“I am glad to hear about the success stories and opportunities these centres are affording members of these various communities that have benefited from these interventions. By equipping themselves with ICT skills, women and girls can enhance their educational prospects, be self-reliant, participate in the global economy, and support their families,” she added.

The First Lady urged the community members to take full ownership of these centres adding that the success of these centres depend on their active participation and utilisation of the resources available.

The Kwara State Governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady and the NITDA’s management for what he described as “impactful initiative.”

He said, “Technology is here to stay and the only path forward is to aggressively invest in the skills and infrastructure that will secure a prosperous future for our people.”

“As we commissioned this ICT Community Centre today, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellence and the RHI for this remarkable investment in our communities and youths.”

In his welcome remarks, the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the project further attests to the president’s commitment to harnessing the potential of digital innovation to drive national prosperity and inclusivity.

Describing the project as a pivotal step towards strengthening the digital economy and enhancing our citizens’ digital fluency and proficiency, he said the centre is designed and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver smart, interactive and personalised learning experience to the citizens.

“We know knowledge is a foundation upon which countries build robust and sustainable economy, this aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to elevating Nigeria to a premier status of the global digital economy and by harnessing the potential of digital innovation to drive national prosperity and inclusivity.

He said, “To achieve this, our President directed us to enhance productivity in crucial sectors such as education, that is the reason we are here to commission this initiative. So the President is committed to that, and our mother, the First Lady, through her initiative is partnering with NITDA to deliver this centre to you in Kwara State.

The NITDA boss said the centre is in line with the president’s wife initiative of empowering women, the vulnerable groups and the students with knowledge they need to thrive in life. “We thank you mummy for this partnership with NITDA to implement this initiative.”

“This is one of our initiatives designed as the Digital Literacy for All because we know Nigeria’s greatest resource is not the mineral underneath us but it is our human capital. And this is the only way we can deliver a sustained inclusive growth as a nation.”

He noted that the initiative is designed in three buckets. “We have worked with the Ministry of Education, we developed curriculum for primary and secondary schools, we are training the teachers this year and by next session, digital skills will be embedded in Nigerian formal educational sector.

The centre is equipped with 48 computer sets, e-learning facilities, alternative power source, internet facility and other essential ICT components.

The event was graced by the Imo State Governor, Chief Hope Uzodinma, the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Senate President, Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representative, Wife of the National Security Adviser, some state governors’ wives and other top government’s dignitaries.

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ICT Sector Growth Declines in Q3 2024

TECH DIGEST- The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector,  one of the driver of Nigeria’s economy, experienced a slight slowdown in the third quarter of 2024. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector contributed 16.35% to the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a decrease from the 19.78% recorded in the previous quarter.

Despite the quarterly decline, the ICT sector’s contribution to the GDP remained higher than the 15.97% recorded in the same period of the previous year. This indicates that the sector continues to be a significant growth driver for the Nigerian economy.

While the reasons for the quarterly decline are not explicitly stated, it is likely due to various factors such as economic fluctuations, regulatory changes, or global technological trends. However, the overall positive trend in the ICT sector highlights its resilience and potential for further growth.

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