By Fatimah Yusuf Usman,

It began without fanfare. No confetti. No grand press conference. Just a quiet upload on a government website — startup.gov.ng — yet within that single link lies what might become one of the most significant bridges ever built between Nigerian innovators and the government meant to serve them.

To some, it is just another government platform. But for thousands of young Nigerians building software from cafes, testing prototypes in backyard sheds, or pitching investors from their phones, this is hope — finally documented.

The Startup Support and Engagement Portal is the latest offering under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), steered by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). On paper, it looks like a registry.

But for those who have long cried for structure, visibility, and government backing, it is so much more: a signal that their dreams are no longer fringe or invisible — but valid, recognised, and worth investing in.

Nigeria’s startup culture has always been resilient — sprouting from underfunded schools, unstable power supplies, and sometimes, unsupportive policies. Our innovators have built apps without accelerators, created platforms without protection, and scaled ideas without systemic support.

But now, a small shift has begun — not in the pages of another white paper, but in real-time, through a portal that promises to bring structure to the hustle.

Behind this quiet evolution is a man whose leadership is slowly but steadily becoming a benchmark in Nigeria’s public sector: Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA.

For those who watch closely, his work ethic speaks louder than press releases. He does not just announce ideas; he builds pathways. His stewardship of the Nigeria Startup Act and this new portal is another chapter in his growing record of action.

Inuwa is not perfect — no public servant is — but his track record suggests a rare sincerity of purpose. He listens. He acts. He iterates. And in an ecosystem where bureaucracy often stifles dreams, his approach feels different: practical, hands-on, and refreshingly inclusive.

Still, the road ahead is not paved with ease. Will this portal become a living system, alive to the needs of a 17-year-old coder in Maiduguri, or the woman running a fintech startup out of Port Harcourt?

Will it stay agile enough to support real growth, or become another digital relic updated only during conferences? What NITDA has done is lay a foundation. But what Nigeria needs is a structure — with doors that open and support that stays consistent.

Because this is not just about tech. It is about jobs, dignity, national identity, and the belief that your zip code should not determine the size of your ambition. If we stay intentional — not just in policy but in follow-through — then this portal may well become a pipeline for building a country where innovation thrives, not in spite of the system, but because of it.

And perhaps, someday soon, when the world asks where Africa’s next tech miracle is coming from, someone will say: “It began with a quiet link. A bold idea. And the resolve to finally do things differently.”

Fatimah Yusuf Usman writes from PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. She can be reached via: fatimahborkono@gmail.com.

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On April 28, 2025, Nigeria’s digital economy will witness a landmark event as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) launches the inaugural Startup Consultative Forum.

This forum, set against the backdrop of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), promises not just to be another gathering, but a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards a thriving, inclusive, and innovation-driven startup ecosystem.

For years, Nigerian startups have contended with barriers — unclear regulations, limited access to funding, and a lack of representation in policy-making discussions.

The Consultative Forum presents a solution to these issues, offering an unprecedented opportunity for tech founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers to engage directly with policy development. NITDA’s initiative is designed to bridge the gap, allowing the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to shape the policies that affect them.

At the heart of the Forum’s agenda lies the election of representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship — the Startup Council. This body, the highest advisory body under the NSA, will guide Nigeria’s digital future.

Through this forum, stakeholders won’t simply react to government policies; they will actively influence their formation. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Nigeria’s digital economy thrives in a way that benefits all players, not just the policymakers.

Ahead of the Forum, NITDA has emphasized that the platform is open to verified startups, innovation hubs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and other relevant entities, all of whom are encouraged to participate.

This is not just a chance to engage in dialogue, but an opportunity to vote for representatives who will advocate for collective priorities in the future of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

This consultative approach marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive form of governance, one where entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors are empowered to shape policies that directly impact them.

In a nation where digital entrepreneurship has become a lifeline for tackling unemployment, this is more than just a meeting — it is a call to action. It recognizes that sustainable growth cannot happen without input from those on the ground, building solutions and driving progress.

Necessity of Inclusive Policy-Making

Inclusive policy-making is no longer optional — it is a necessity. For too long, policymakers have created regulations without fully understanding the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the startup space.

The Forum addresses this by providing a platform where the voices of those building solutions can be heard and reflected in national policy. It ensures that entrepreneurs no longer operate in isolation but are an integral part of the policy-making process.

This approach signals to the tech community that their input is vital in shaping decisions about tax structures, intellectual property laws, funding, and regulatory frameworks. For Nigeria’s startup ecosystem to thrive, policies must be informed, responsive, and dynamic.

A collaborative, inclusive process like the one NITDA is championing is the only way to ensure that innovation remains at the heart of the country’s development.

Structure and Legitimacy as a Pathway to Growth

Startups, especially those with great potential, often struggle due to policy uncertainty or a lack of institutional backing. The establishment of the Startup Council marks a pivotal moment in addressing this issue.

Rather than operating in an ad hoc manner, decisions that affect the future of innovation will now be made based on consensus and legal backing. This creates a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

The Startup Council will give Nigerian startups an official voice in national policy. This marks a significant step towards institutionalizing the startup ecosystem, providing the structure needed to ensure that the sector receives the support it deserves.

Through this Council, startups will be able to advocate for themselves, pushing for regulations that foster growth rather than stifle it. By offering startups a framework for sustained support, NITDA is laying the groundwork for a future where Nigerian innovators are not only local heroes but global competitors.

This institutionalization is not just about creating space for startups — it is about ensuring that Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem becomes a driving force in the global digital economy.

A Model for Cross-Sector Collaboration

NITDA’s approach to governance is something to be admired. It is a collaborative, dialogue-driven process that serves as a model for other sectors. In many countries, successful economic development is built on meaningful collaboration between government and private enterprise.

This initiative shows that Nigeria, too, can foster an environment where government-business relations are not antagonistic but synergistic.

The Forum’s inclusivity also highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships. Investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers must come together to shape a future that benefits everyone.

The consultative model ensures that all voices in the startup ecosystem are heard and valued, reinforcing the idea that only by working together can Nigeria’s digital economy reach its full potential.

If successful, the Startup Consultative Forum could become a recurring event, offering the government a continuous platform for meaningful engagement with Nigeria’s brightest minds.

This would be a step towards a future where policies are not just made in government offices but are co-created with the people who know the sector best.

A New Era for Nigeria’s Digital Economy

As the date approaches, anticipation is building for what could be a defining moment for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. The Startup Consultative Forum is not just an event on a calendar; it represents a new era.

One where those building Nigeria’s digital future are not just recipients of policy, but active contributors to the systems that support them.

For Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, the Forum offers the promise of a more vibrant, responsive, and sustainable future — one where collaboration between government and the private sector is not a hopeful vision, but a thriving reality.

Fatimah Yusuf Usman writes from the PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. She can be reached at: fatimahborkono@gmail.com.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the inaugural meeting of the Startup Consultative Forum, scheduled to hold on Monday, April 28, 2025. The event marks a major milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem through inclusive policy dialogue and strategic engagement.

According to a statement signed by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, the Forum will provide an interactive platform for startup founders, innovators, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries to actively contribute to shaping national policies that encourage growth, attract investment, and promote digital innovation.

The meeting is being convened under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), a legislative framework designed to drive sustainable growth in the tech and innovation sectors. Through this initiative, the government seeks to make startups not just beneficiaries, but central contributors to national development efforts in the digital space.

A key highlight of the forum will be the nomination and selection of representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship—commonly referred to as the Startup Council. As Nigeria’s highest advisory body for the startup ecosystem, the Council will play a critical role in influencing decisions that affect the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

NITDA is calling on all Labelled Startups, Verified Entrepreneurial and Innovation Support Organisations, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and other key stakeholders to participate in the forum and take part in the nomination and voting process.

“This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital innovation in Nigeria,” the statement read. “Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem that supports and celebrates the pioneering spirit of Nigerian startups.”

For further details, stakeholders are encouraged to contact NITDA via email at info@nitda.gov.ng or visit www.nitda.gov.ng. Updates are also available through NITDA’s official social media handles: @nitdanigeria.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a significant step towards driving the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) with the inauguration of a Startup Labelling Committee. The committee, inaugurated by Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, comprises representatives from both the public and private sectors.

The NSA, enacted on October 19th, 2022, established a legal and institutional framework to foster the development and growth of Nigerian startups. A critical provision within the Act is the Startup Label. This label recognises eligible startups, granting them access to the various benefits outlined in the NSA.

The issuance of the Startup Label hinges on a thorough assessment and validation process to ensure a startup meets the eligibility criteria as defined by the Act. The newly formed committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing this process.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Inuwa emphasised on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of young Nigerian innovators.

He acknowledged the pivotal role startups will play in propelling the nation’s economic development, and the significance of the committee’s work in nurturing and supporting these enterprises.

He elaborated on the various initiatives and support mechanisms the government plans to implement, aimed at reducing hurdles and providing financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to young entrepreneurs.

Inuwa expressed optimism about the future, asserting that with the right support, these budding innovators could transform their ideas into thriving enterprises, thus contributing significantly to job creation and the overall economic prosperity of Nigeria in line with President Tinubu’s priority area to “reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.”

He urged stakeholders to join hands in creating a robust ecosystem that would empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to flourish and contribute to the country’s progress.

Inuwa added that the committee will be instrumental in establishing a robust legal and institutional framework for the successful implementation of the Startup Act. Their collaborative efforts will ensure a participatory approach that benefits all stakeholders within the Nigerian startup ecosystem.

“The composition of the committee reflects the emphasis on collaboration. Representatives from government agencies, industry experts, investors, and startup founders will bring their diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.

This collaborative approach is expected to lead to a more efficient and effective labelling process, ultimately benefiting the growth of Nigerian startups,” he stated.

Speaking on the roles and responsibilities of Committee, the National Coordinator, Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation, Victoria Fabunmi, listed the terms of reference for the advisory committee which include the following:

Review and evaluate start-ups’ applications for label based on criteria defined in the Act and any additional criteria that may ensure quality for the label; Periodically review and update additional labelling criteria to ensure alignment with industry trends; Conduct an impartial evaluation of submitted applications for Startup Label.

Furthermore, the Committee will Recommend on issuance or otherwise of Startup Label based on defined criteria; Provide feedback/comments/recommendations on areas of improvement where a start-up’s application is rejected; Where necessary, dedicate time to further engage startups for more clarity/details on information provided.

It will also periodically review its previous activities and data on labelling, to identify/recommend opportunities and gaps (e.g. DEI, sectors, capacity etc.) that policymakers may need to place added emphasis on; Periodically review workload capacity and recommend a fair ceiling for the number of applications to be considered per period. This is in consideration of the fact that the Committee is not a full-time position; and Members shall be subject to a Code of Conduct and must duly sign this prior to commencement of duties.

She also stated that the Labelling Committee comprises Nine (9) members from the following: Four (4) Representatives of Incubators (ISN Rep, North and South); Two (2) Representatives of the Public Sector (NITDA, NSIA); Two (2) Representative of the Civil Society’ and Portal Coordinator – to serve as Secretary.

The inauguration of the Startup Labelling Committee marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act. With a multi-stakeholder committee guiding the process, the Act has the potential to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.

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Digital Transformation: NITDA Engages Stakeholders In Digital Policy Dialogue

TECHDIGEST- As part of its continued effort at revitalising the nation’s startup ecosystem towards the sustainability of a digitally transformed nation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has engaged relevant stakeholders within the tech ecosystem in a Digital Policy Dialogue with the intent of harnessing ideas for the effective implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA).

The Digital Policy Dialogue session, which was held last week Thursday at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos is aimed at creating a platform where inclusive and valuable insights are gathered from stakeholders to create a practical framework that will promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth within the Nigerian Startup ecosystem.

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The dialogue session which was organised by the GIZ/Digital Transformation Center Nigeria was designed to enhance policy implementation capacities in the digital innovation ecosystem, enhance stakeholder collaboration from various sectors, create an inclusive policy implementation framework as well as promote innovation and economic growth.

Speaking on the effect of NSA on Digital Transformation in Nigeria while delivering the closing remark, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE gave an overview of the NSA and its benefit as well as opportunities it will provide to the Nigerian youths and the nation as a whole.

The DG who was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Transformation, Dr. Aminu Lawal, stated that the NSA was passed in October 2022 to create a more favourable environment for Startups in Nigeria.

“The Act provides for several benefits for Startups including Tax incentives, access to seed funds, grants and loans, protection of intellectual property, talent development and capacity building and, regulatory support among others”, he noted.

While lauding the enactment of the Act as a step towards the right direction for the nation’s startup ecosystem, Inuwa further stated that the Act would increase visibility for Nigerian startups which would consequently attract both foreign and domestic investment, create jobs and boost innovation.

He mentioned that the NSA would have a significant impact on People, Processes and Technology which are the three pillars of digital transformation.

Buttressing his point with more holistic insights on NSA’s impact on people, Inuwa disclosed that training and mentorship provided by the Act would enable the required skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital age. He added that “this will help to create a more skilled workforce in the digital sector and boost the digital economy”.

Enumerating further on the Act’s impact on Processes, he said that “the Act’s provisions for support and access to funds would help startups to develop and deliver digital services that will digitize the processes of their customers from different sectors”.

Speaking on the last pillar, Technology, the NITDA boss stated that the Act would lead to the exploration of emerging technologies in developing solutions that will attract investment in digital solutions.

He further opined that the Act would increase access to data, improve collaboration between startups and the government, and also, improve access to digital services.

While pledging to work with relevant stakeholders across all sectors of the economy to make startup support services available as well as increasing all indices necessary for the development of more market-creating innovative-driven enterprises, Inuwa urged all stakeholders to take the implementation of the NSA as a collective responsibility.

“To make the most out of the provisions of the Startup Act, we are committed to strengthening collaboration with public sector stakeholders and entrepreneurs to proactively, anticipate disruptive innovations and their implications, build capacity and a conducive environment to unlock their potential and recognize new niches for industries. This way, stakeholders will invest in our creative entrepreneurial population, while also building bridges towards achieving sustainable and inclusive growth”, he concluded.

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TECHDIGEST – In fostering the growth of the digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country and consolidating the achievements made by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 27 member committee to implement the Nigeria Startup Act 2023 (NSA)

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) inaugurated the committee on behalf of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari in a hybrid event at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.

Giving a historical overview of the journey so far from the conceptualisation of the bill to its enactment into law by the President on 19th October 2022, the Honourable Minister stated that the Nigeria Startup Bill was first drafted and formulated in 2021 with inputs from relevant and critical stakeholders.

He stated that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, private sectors, industry players, young innovators and stakeholders from the academia were engaged in town hall meetings organised in the six geopolitical zones of the country with the purpose of collecting their inputs, constructive criticisms and recommendations to create a robust and credible document.

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Describing the inauguration of the NSA implementation committee as a milestone achievement towards the attainment of a digital Nigeria, Pantami urged the committee members to coordinate operational plans and establish the baseline for the ecosystem in terms of digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

“In this implementation committee, we have brought together relevant stakeholders, some from government, some from the private sector, some from the ecosystem, some from the academia, some from legal institutions and many more to come together and provide the leadership that is required for the technical implementation of this very important law”, he stated.

While noting that economies globally are driven by technology, knowledge, digital innovation and entrepreneurship, Pantami stated that priority and preference should be given to a knowledge-based economy rather than a resource-based economy in the country.

He further stated that countries like the United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, India and the United Kingdom which are the major contributors to the global Gross Domestic Product of 101.6 trillion US dollars are leading economically because they give preference to a knowledge-based economy.

“According to statistics as of December 2022, digital enterprises are directly and indirectly contributing a minimum of 53 trillion US dollars to the global GDP. By implication, you can safely say that more than half of the global GDP depends on technology, digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship”, he said.

“Today, digital entrepreneurship, digital innovation and knowledge-based activities are building the global economy and we need to invest in our youths that have innovative ideas”, he added.

He further stated that Nigeria is blessed with so many talents and innovators, and that young Nigerians have been making the country proud by winning prizes at global ICT events in UAE, Barcelona, USA and Saudi Arabia.

While emphatically stating that the NSA would consolidate the achievements of startups in the country by providing legal frameworks as well as technical and financial backing to further encourage them, the Minister said that “Today in the Act, there is a provision of supporting them financially. The government will set aside a minimum of 10 billion naira annually in addition to other sources of funding that have been captured in the law”.

Prof. Pantami also noted without a doubt that it will consolidate the achievements made thus far by the Ministry in terms of broadband penetration, 4G penetration, development of policies for digitalization, digital ID in Nigeria, government revenue generation amongst others.

Announcing the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE as the secretary of the committee, the Minister urged all the members to expend their time, energy, knowledge and experience to support the ecosystem so as to reduce importation in the country and prioritise production.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Kashifu Inuwa appreciated all members of the committee for agreeing to contribute their expertise to the national assignment of implementing the NSA.

He stated that the committee is responsible for creating an enabling and sustainable environment for young and talented people to develop more profitable and innovative-driven enterprises for national development.

While noting that startups are critical drivers for economic growth, Inuwa asserted that implementing the NSA will be a game changer that will help create a legal and institutional framework to develop the Nigerian startup ecosystem.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate your acceptance to serve on this committee and I have no doubt that our collective expertise and experience will help us implement the NSA successfully”, he concluded.

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