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Nigeria’s healthcare system has long grappled with fragmented medical records, weak data management, limited interoperability among health institutions, and unequal access to quality healthcare services. As the country seeks to build a more efficient and resilient health sector, technology has increasingly emerged as the catalyst capable of bridging these longstanding gaps.

Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda. More than the creation of another government institution, the initiative signals a strategic shift towards building a digitally connected, data-driven and innovation-powered healthcare ecosystem capable of delivering better outcomes for millions of Nigerians.

Operating under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the new office is expected to become the central coordinating platform for Nigeria’s digital health initiatives. It represents another key pillar of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to modernise public service delivery through technology and institutional reforms.

One of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector is the lack of integration among hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies and health insurance providers. Patient information is often scattered across multiple facilities, making continuity of care difficult while increasing operational inefficiencies.

The National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office has been created to address these structural gaps by coordinating the country’s digital health programmes under a unified framework.

Rather than replacing existing institutions, the office will complement the statutory responsibilities of agencies already operating within the health sector. Its role will be to ensure that digital initiatives across the country follow common standards, communicate seamlessly with one another and contribute to a unified national healthcare architecture.

Among its core responsibilities are developing interoperability standards for health information systems, promoting collaboration between public and private healthcare providers, implementing the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025, and strengthening the use of healthcare data for evidence-based policymaking.

By harmonising digital platforms and improving information exchange, healthcare providers will be able to access more reliable patient information, reduce duplication of services and improve treatment outcomes.

Across the world, healthcare is increasingly powered by digital technologies ranging from electronic medical records and artificial intelligence to predictive analytics and telemedicine.

Countries with integrated digital health systems are able to monitor disease outbreaks more effectively, allocate healthcare resources efficiently and deliver faster, more personalised patient care.

Nigeria’s establishment of the NHTDAO reflects this global trend.

A coordinated digital health infrastructure could enable healthcare workers to retrieve patient records regardless of where treatment was previously received, improve immunisation tracking, enhance disease surveillance, reduce medical errors and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

For policymakers, reliable health data provides a stronger foundation for planning budgets, identifying underserved communities and evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Healthcare is no longer driven solely by hospitals and medical personnel; increasingly, it is powered by information.

Accurate health data enables governments to anticipate disease trends, monitor maternal and child health, evaluate vaccination campaigns and optimise healthcare investments.

The creation of a dedicated office focused on health technology and data analytics underscores the Federal Government’s recognition that data has become a strategic national asset.

With improved analytics, health authorities can better understand emerging health challenges, identify service delivery gaps and make faster, evidence-based decisions that improve patient outcomes.

This transition from reactive healthcare management to predictive and preventive healthcare could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s public health landscape.

To lead this ambitious initiative, President Tinubu appointed Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office.

Adigwe currently serves as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he has earned recognition for driving research, pharmaceutical innovation and technology transfer.

His track record reflects a blend of scientific expertise and administrative leadership.

Among his notable achievements are coordinating the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant Programme, leading the AFREXIM Bank-supported establishment of Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Training Facility, and spearheading the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union healthcare development grant.

His international reputation also grew during the COVID-19 pandemic after conducting what was described as the world’s first scientific analysis of the Covid Organics herbal preparation.

His appointment signals the government’s intention to place scientific innovation, research excellence and emerging technologies at the centre of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.

Recognising that digital health transformation requires collaboration across sectors, the Federal Government has constituted a high-level Steering Committee to oversee implementation of the new office.

The committee is co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf.

Its membership cuts across government institutions, healthcare regulators, technology experts, development agencies, industry representatives and state governments.

Members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Kachollom Daju; the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu; the National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr Abdu Mukhtar; the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina; the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri; a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from the geopolitical zones; and Pharm Hamza Buhari representing industry and community stakeholders.

This broad representation is expected to ensure policy coherence, stakeholder ownership and effective implementation nationwide.

Beyond improving patient care, the NHTDAO could stimulate innovation across Nigeria’s growing health technology ecosystem.

The office is expected to encourage the development of digital health solutions, strengthen partnerships with startups, research institutions and private investors, and create opportunities for local software developers working on healthcare technologies.

Improved digital infrastructure could also enhance telemedicine services, support remote healthcare delivery in underserved communities and facilitate faster adoption of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making.

For healthcare professionals, integrated systems could reduce administrative burdens, allowing doctors and nurses to spend more time focusing on patient care.

While the establishment of the office represents an important policy breakthrough, successful implementation will depend on several critical factors.

Reliable digital infrastructure, stable electricity supply, nationwide internet connectivity, cybersecurity safeguards, skilled personnel and sustainable funding will all be essential to achieving the office’s objectives.

Equally important will be ensuring that patient data is protected through strong privacy regulations while building public trust in digital healthcare systems.

Inter-agency collaboration, continuous staff training and support from state governments will determine how effectively the new framework translates into improved healthcare delivery on the ground.

The creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office reflects a growing recognition that the future of healthcare lies not only in building more hospitals but also in building smarter health systems.

By placing technology, innovation and data analytics at the centre of healthcare governance, the Federal Government is laying the foundation for a more connected, efficient and responsive health sector.

If effectively implemented, the NHTDAO has the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered, managed and experienced across Nigeria. It could improve patient outcomes, strengthen disease surveillance, support better policy decisions and position the country as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in digital health innovation.

For millions of Nigerians, the success of this initiative could ultimately mean faster access to quality healthcare, more efficient health services and a stronger healthcare system capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly growing population.

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President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda with the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for a secure, inclusive and interoperable national digital identity system.

The new legislation repeals the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and introduces sweeping reforms designed to position Nigeria’s identity management architecture in line with global best practices while strengthening digital governance, cybersecurity and service delivery.

A key feature of the Act is the designation of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This places the Commission at the heart of the country’s digital identity ecosystem, giving it responsibility for trusted authentication services, digital signatures, digital certificates, encryption and secure identity verification.

The law also reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s foundational identity credential under the principle of “One Person, One Identity,” while empowering NIMC to facilitate seamless and secure data exchange among government agencies, financial institutions and private-sector organisations.

According to NIMC, the reforms are intended to improve public service delivery, strengthen cybersecurity, promote digital and financial inclusion, enhance the ease of doing business and support the Federal Government’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by technology and innovation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission described the legislation as the most significant reform of Nigeria’s identity management system since NIMC was established nearly 20 years ago.

It explained that the rapid expansion of digital services, electronic commerce, e-governance, evolving cyber threats and growing data protection requirements necessitated a modern legal framework capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

Under the new Act, NIMC will oversee the establishment and management of Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure, providing secure authentication systems that enhance trust in digital transactions and online services.

The legislation also introduces stronger safeguards for personal data and privacy in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and international standards. It prescribes tougher sanctions against identity-related offences, including multiple registrations, identity theft, impersonation and other fraudulent practices.

To deepen inclusion, the law creates an innovative identification system for vulnerable groups and mandates special measures to facilitate the enrolment of underserved populations, including individuals without permanent residences.

It further recognises both physical and digital identity credentials, all securely linked to an individual’s National Identification Number, thereby expanding opportunities for digital transactions and improving access to public and private services.

NIMC said the implementation of the new framework would enable faster and more secure identity verification, improved interoperability across government and private-sector platforms, broader financial and digital inclusion, and greater efficiency in service delivery.

The Commission commended President Tinubu for what it described as his visionary leadership in signing the landmark legislation, noting that the Act would strengthen the protection of citizens’ personal data, improve national cybersecurity, expand access to essential services and provide a solid foundation for Nigeria’s long-term digital economic growth.

It also expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Interior, development partners and other stakeholders whose contributions led to the successful passage of the legislation.

NIMC said it would issue the necessary regulations and implementation guidelines in the coming months while working closely with government institutions, the private sector and development partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new digital identity framework.

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The UK–Nigeria Technology Hub has unveiled a new Creative Fund aimed at addressing critical technical capacity gaps across Nigeria’s film, fashion and music sectors.

The initiative, announced in a statement recently by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, marks the first phase of a grant programme designed to strengthen Nigeria’s creative value chain through enhanced digital production capacity, adoption of modern technologies, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

According to the statement, applications are now open to creative companies, production studios, fashion enterprises, and music labels with clearly defined technical needs, as the UK government moves to support innovation and growth within the sector.

The fund aligns with the objectives of the UK–Nigeria Economic Transformation and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Creatives Working Group, launched in March 2025, and reinforces commitments made during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026.

Designed to empower high-potential creative projects, the programme will provide access to technical talent, digital tools, and infrastructure required to produce, scale, and complete projects within Nigeria, reducing reliance on foreign outsourcing.

The Creative Fund is financed by the UK–Nigeria Tech Hub under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and is being implemented by Tech4Dev.

Director of the UK–Nigeria Tech Hub, Oyinkansola Akintola Bello, described the fund as a practical step toward bridging long-standing gaps in the industry.

She noted that while Nigeria’s creative sector already contributes significantly to economic growth, the initiative represents a shift from policy ambition to concrete action.

“The Creative Fund is a practical first-phase intervention that addresses critical gaps in skills, infrastructure, and access to advanced tools, enabling Nigerian creatives to produce and scale high-quality work locally,” Bello said.

The programme will support projects with strong potential for impact, scalability, and job creation, while also facilitating access to digital asset management systems, content delivery tools, digital rights management solutions, and AI-powered production technologies.

Country Manager for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa at Tech4Dev, Abraham Akpan, emphasised the initiative’s role in promoting inclusion across the creative ecosystem.

He said the fund is designed to expand access to skills, tools, and financing, particularly for underserved groups, ensuring that the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy is both sustainable and inclusive.

The initiative follows insights from the 2024 State of the Creative Innovation Ecosystem in Nigeria report, which highlighted both the sector’s economic contributions and its structural challenges.

The study found that Nigeria’s creative industry employs approximately 4.2 million people and contributes about $3 billion annually to the country’s GDP. However, it also revealed that over 80 per cent of practitioners are self-taught, fewer than 10 per cent have access to formal financing, and a significant portion of high-value technical work is outsourced abroad.

The UK–Nigeria Tech Hub, operating under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme, supports inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors.

Meanwhile, Tech4Dev continues to drive digital inclusion and economic opportunity across Africa by equipping individuals with relevant skills and access to decent work.

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The directive was issued on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The President, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the move aligns with the National Space Policy and Programme and is aimed at positioning Nigeria to compete in the fast-growing global space economy.

Tinubu also ordered that the cost of implementing the revised 25-year roadmap for the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration and approval.

“I hereby direct that the cost of the implementation of the revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the national space policy be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval,” he said.

The President stressed that Nigeria would not remain on the sidelines as global space activities expand.

“We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value,” Tinubu said, adding that investments in space technology should directly benefit key sectors of the economy.

According to him, space technology underpins cybersecurity and the digital economy, while also offering practical applications such as precision agriculture, border security, early warning systems for floods and fires, improved aviation safety, and stronger communications infrastructure.

He noted that the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, describing it as a major frontier for technological advancement and economic diversification.

As part of the new measures, the President directed the nation’s space agency to enforce space regulations and spectrum management in line with the NASDRA Act 2010. He also instructed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector stakeholders, to comply fully with the existing regulatory framework.

Tinubu further mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of all approved funds for the programme.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, said the council approved the “Conditions of Service and Staff Regulation” for the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to align with international best practices.

The council also constituted a working group comprising the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Defence Space Administration, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to refine the revised 25-year roadmap.

In addition, it approved the development of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Space Centre in Epe to enhance Nigeria’s local satellite launch capacity and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.

NASRDA Director-General Matthew Adepoju disclosed that the President has approved the procurement of four new satellites — three optical platforms and one Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite capable of day-and-night imaging — to boost national security, maritime surveillance, agriculture and the blue economy.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the official launch of Lebara Nigeria, describing it as a significant boost to the nation’s digital economy and a strong signal of investor confidence in the telecommunications sector.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the development underscores Nigeria’s growing potential as a leading technology and investment destination in Africa.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Lebara Nigeria on its official launch, describing the milestone as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and its future as a leading technology and investment destination in Africa,” the statement read in part.

The President commended the company’s leadership, including its Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to expanding telecommunications access, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. He noted that such investments are critical to deepening financial inclusion, promoting innovation, and accelerating economic growth.

Highlighting the performance of the telecom sector, Tinubu said it grew by 5.78 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025 and contributed over 14 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflecting its strategic importance to the national economy.

The President also acknowledged the role of the British High Commission, represented at the launch by Deputy High Commissioner Johny Baxter, noting that the collaboration demonstrates strong economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He further recognised the company’s Advisory Board, including Chairman Bimbo Ashiru, for their confidence in Nigeria’s growth prospects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining a stable and investment-friendly business environment.

Lebara Nigeria recently commenced operations in the country, offering mobile services tailored to individuals, students, businesses, and Nigerians in the diaspora. The company is part of the broader Lebara Group, which operates in multiple countries and focuses on enhancing connectivity locally and internationally.

As part of its entry into the Nigerian market, the firm has unveiled initiatives aimed at promoting digital inclusion through strategic partnerships and community-focused internet hubs. Information available on the company’s website indicates that its products are designed to make communication more affordable and accessible nationwide, with customised plans for various user segments.

The launch comes amid sustained growth in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the ICT sector accounted for 10.07 per cent of Nigeria’s real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 9.79 per cent in 2024.

The ICT sector comprises telecommunications and information services, publishing, motion picture and music production, as well as broadcasting. Analysts say the steady expansion of the sector reflects the impact of increased investments in technology and telecommunications infrastructure, with new entrants such as Lebara Nigeria expected to further drive digital transformation, job creation, and economic diversification.

With its entry into the market, Lebara Nigeria is positioned as a new player in the country’s competitive telecom landscape, contributing to broader efforts to expand digital access and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a technology hub in Africa.

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In a strategic move to modernise Nigeria’s public service, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a specialised digital capacity-building programme for the Federal Character Commission (FCC). The initiative, which included the donation of 35 laptops, aims to transition the Commission from manual processes to a data-driven oversight model, ensuring more transparent and equitable representation across all government MDAs.

In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority area of reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, as well as improving governance for effective service delivery, it forms part of NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) programme aimed at strengthening digital capacity across public sector institutions and building a workforce equipped to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The training, held at the Commission’s headquarters, focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in critical areas such as data analysis and data management, skills considered essential to improving institutional performance and service delivery.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Yusuf Tambour, explained the purpose of the intervention.

“We are here at the Federal Character Commission to carry out a training for staff of the Commission in the area of digital literacy to enhance their proficiency,” he stated.

He noted that the training was deliberately tailored to align with the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.

“We are particularly focusing on data analysis and data management, because this really aligns with the core mandate of the Commission,” he said.

The Federal Character Commission, which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring equitable representation in public service across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), relies heavily on accurate and well-managed data to carry out its oversight functions.

By strengthening staff capacity in data handling and digital tools, NITDA aims to enhance the Commission’s ability to manage nationwide datasets efficiently and transparently.

Describing the programme as impactful and well-received by participants, Inuwa said, “So it’s been a great journey. We’ve trained 35 participants here, and the training has been very well received.”

As part of the intervention, NITDA donated 35 laptops to the Commission to facilitate continuous learning and enable staff to seamlessly integrate digital tools into their daily operations.

The gesture is expected to reinforce the sustainability of the training outcomes and improve workflow efficiency within the Commission.

Expressing optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative, Inuwa added, “We are hoping that this will help the Commission to manage the very, very important data that they collect across all MDAs.”

The intervention reflects NITDA’s sustained commitment to deepening digital inclusion within government institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda. By equipping public servants with practical digital skills and the necessary tools, the Agency is advancing institutional efficiency, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of a modern public service capable of driving inclusive national development and economic reform.

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By Lukman Oladokun

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has urged stakeholders in the digital economy to unite in unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential in the sector.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of all Chief Executive Officers of parastatals under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy at the opening of the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference, he emphasised that the country stands at a critical juncture where collaboration and innovation are essential to achieving global competitiveness.

Highlighting the exponential growth of the global digital economy, Dr. Olatunji noted that there are currently over 18.8 billion connected devices serving a global population of 8.2 billion people. This, he said, underscores the transformative power of technology in business, communication, and governance.

He stressed that Nigeria possesses both the human and material resources to lead in this space but must overcome the challenge of fragmentation by fostering synergy across sectors. 

Dr. Olatunji described the country’s youthful population—65% of whom are tech-savvy as a strategic advantage that must be harnessed. “Technology is the only language they understand,” he said, calling for platforms like the conference to channel their energy toward innovation and disruption.

Citing global tech disruptors like Uber, Booking.com, and Amazon as examples of how technology can redefine industries without owning traditional assets, he urged Nigeria to adopt similar models.

He also referenced the recent public hearing at the National Assembly on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, describing it as a landmark step toward institutionalising Nigeria’s digital transformation. According to him, the bill will provide a unified legal framework for digital governance, cybersecurity, and electronic transactions, enabling the country to make a measurable impact both locally and globally.

While lauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his early commitment to the tech ecosystem evidenced by the swift signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, Dr. Olatunji also commended the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his technocratic approach and ability to unite stakeholders around a shared vision.

He concluded by calling on all participants to embrace the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and disruption. “We must come together, cooperate, and push Nigeria into its rightful place in the global digital economy,” he said, expressing optimism that the outcomes of the three-day conference would shape the nation’s digital future.

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By Oluwole Alao

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy, calling on stakeholders across sectors to work together to achieve Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.

Delivering his keynote address at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abuja, Dr Tijani described the annual gathering as more than a conventional technology conference. According to him, Digital Nigeria serves as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies that will shape the country’s future in the digital era.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Digital Nigeria 2025, something I consider to be a dialogue, but also collaboration and action towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy for our nation. This event reminds us of what digital truly means for our past as a people, our present reality, and the future we are striving to build,” he mentioned.

Dr Tijani took the audience on a reflective journey through Nigeria’s digital history, noting that the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry in 1999 was a bold, transformative decision that changed the trajectory of the nation’s economy.

Before the policy reform, he recalled, only a handful of Nigerian families had access to telephones, and making international calls required visiting special centres and waiting in long queues.

“That decision marked the beginning of a new economy built on ideas and innovation. The introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions,” the Minister explained.

He emphasised that the ripple effect of that single reform continues to be felt across sectors and further noted that the digital economy now contributes about 18 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear demonstration of the sector’s growing importance as a driver of national growth and economic diversification.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s global leadership in financial technology (fintech) innovation, citing the country’s advanced digital payment systems and thriving startup ecosystem.

“Today, Nigeria boasts one of the most efficient and responsive payment systems in the world. Transactions that take hours or even days elsewhere are completed instantly here. This innovation has produced five of Africa’s nine technology unicorns, companies each valued at over a billion dollars,” Tijani stated.

According to the Minister, such achievements underscore the power of visionary leadership and enabling policies, which have positioned Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s digital and innovation landscape.

He praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for embedding technology and innovation as key pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in driving inclusivity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

Dr Tijani stressed that the government’s focus is not only on technology adoption but also on creating a digital culture that empowers citizens to become producers, not just consumers, of technology.

“Digital Nigeria 2025 is not about technology for its own sake. It’s about people, about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, can benefit from and contribute to our digital future,” he said.

He urged participants to seize the opportunity of the three-day conference to network, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships that would translate discussions into real solutions.

“This is the time to reflect, strategise, and act. The vision is clear, a nation built on prosperity, inclusion, and competitiveness, powered by innovation,” he concluded.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has hailed the successful conclusion of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations, citing its direct contribution to research excellence, global collaboration and the nation’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.

Hosted in Abuja under the patronage of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ICEGOV 2025 convened global experts for four days of rigorous debate, innovative research presentations, and high-impact partnerships, a convergence that NITDA says aligns closely with the President’s redefined priority area of accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

The conference, a United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) initiative founded in 2007, brought together academia, industry leaders, civil society, development institutions and government actors to shape the future of electronic governance. This year’s edition placed Nigeria at the center of global digital discourse, showcasing the country’s rising intellectual and technological capacity.

A total of 151 scientific papers were submitted by 308 authors from 33 countries, with emerging economies accounting for 68% of participating scholars, a clear sign of the conference’s inclusive reach. Nigeria led global submissions with 102 authors, followed by Brazil, India, Portugal and Greece.

NITDA emphasised that this strong participation reflects the Agency’s decade-long investment in digital talent development, research funding and ecosystem strengthening, which are investments that are already translating into local and international recognition.

The conference also honoured outstanding research through its Best Paper Awards. Notably, Robert Ifeonu of the Central Bank of Nigeria earned the top award in the Research category for his paper “Micro-Transformation Framework for Public Sector Innovation: Catalysing Resilient, Outcome-Driven Digital Governance.” This, NITDA noted, underscores Nigeria’s emerging leadership in developing home-grown digital governance models capable of driving socio-economic impact.

In her closing remarks, Professor Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, extended appreciation to NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, for his early endorsement and strategic leadership in bringing ICEGOV to Abuja. She noted that the local partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by NITDA significantly enhanced the conference’s global value and strengthened Africa’s position in digital governance research.

Speaking on the event’s economic and strategic implications, NITDA affirmed that hosting ICEGOV 2025 delivered multiple layers of value, from boosting Nigeria’s reputation as a digital innovation hub to fostering partnerships that will stimulate new investments, research collaborations and capacity-building programmes.

The Agency added that insights and tools shared during the conference will further accelerate the actualisation of its digital transformation agenda, strengthen public sector efficiency and support the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification through digitisation and industrialisation. The knowledge exchange from ICEGOV, it said, will catalyse improved service delivery, enhanced regulatory frameworks and the deepening of Nigeria’s knowledge-driven economy.

As delegates departed Abuja carrying new research linkages and strategic commitments, NITDA reaffirmed its readiness to sustain the momentum, ensuring that Nigeria not only participates in global digital governance conversations but also shapes them.

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