By Lukman Oladokun

The Nigerian Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has stated that the country is on the cusp of a historic transformation as the government advances shetttoward passing the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill into law.

Senator Shettima made this known in Abuja while officially opening the 2025 edition of the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness.”

He described the bill as a cornerstone of the nation’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy powered by digital innovation. Emphasizing its significance, he noted that the bill represents more than legislative reform—it is “a strategic leap toward embedding technology into the fabric of governance, economic planning, and national development.”

Drawing a compelling parallel with Nigeria’s cashless policy, which catalysed the fintech revolution, the Vice President said the anticipated impact of the new bill would ignite a govtech revolution.

“Just as the cashless policy unlocked the fintech revolution, this new bill will unlock the govtech revolution—an era of smarter governance, greater transparency, and inclusive service delivery,” he declared.

He explained that this new era would be defined by smarter governance, greater transparency, and inclusive service delivery, all driven by digital tools and infrastructure. He stressed that the bill is part of a broader national strategy to position Nigeria as a global leader in digital innovation, with the potential to transform every sector of society.

The Vice President outlined a series of initiatives that complement the bill, including the integration of digital literacy into school curricula and the digitization of the informal sector to bring millions of Nigerians into the formal economy.

He highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent Program, which aims to develop world-class expertise and establish Nigeria as a hub for digital skills.

Addressing the youth directly, he called them the “lifewire of our nation,” urging them to embrace their roles as innovators, disruptors, and dreamers who turn possibilities into profits. “You are the innovators, the disruptors, the dreamers who turn possibilities into profits. It is because of you that we are creating an enabling environment that encourages innovation. The language of our long-term stability is digital,” he remarked.

On the government’s infrastructure efforts, the Vice President noted that major projects such as the Broadband Superhighway—designed to deliver high-speed internet across the country—and the Bridge and 7-7-4 initiatives, which aim to ensure that startups in remote towns like Gusau have the same digital access as those in major cities like Abuja and Lagos, are ongoing.

Underscoring the need for equal access to digital infrastructure, he noted that equitable connectivity is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for national competitiveness in the digital age.

On the policy front, Senator Shettima celebrated Nigeria’s emergence as a leading fintech ecosystem, attributing this success to bold reforms and a forward-thinking regulatory environment.

He said the new bill, once enacted, would build on this momentum by establishing a unified legal framework for digital governance, electronic transactions, and cybersecurity.

This framework would also strengthen key institutions such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), ensuring that Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is both innovative and secure.

Painting a vivid picture of the digitally empowered Nigeria he envisions, Senator Shettima expressed optimism about a future where farmers use real-time market data to secure fair prices, young women in rural communities work remotely for global companies, and universities produce graduates equipped with the skills to thrive in the global digital economy. He emphasized that digital transformation must be inclusive, touching every corner of the country and every segment of society.

Declaring the conference officially open, the Vice President urged participants to seize the moment and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference would shape the country’s future.

He concluded by affirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that digital innovation drives opportunity, inclusion, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

The conference was attended by a distinguished array of stakeholders, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Kashifu Inua Abdullahi, Director General and CEO of NITDA; Dr. Aminu Wada, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the NDPC; Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission; and Engineer Margaret Aina Oguntola, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Also present were members of the diplomatic corps, service chiefs, heads of paramilitary agencies, senior government officials, and leaders from academia and industry.

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By Abbas Badmus,

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, declared open the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 (DNICE 2025),  in Abuja, affirming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has successfully ended the era of economic volatility and uncertainty that once plagued the nation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President said that global economic shocks, shifting alliances, and the rapid replacement of traditional jobs by emerging technologies have compelled the government to take bold and strategic actions.

According to Shettima, the far-reaching reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are already yielding results, stabilizing the economy, and boosting investor confidence. He cited the recent upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating by Fitch to “B” with a stable outlook and Moody’s lift of the nation’s issuer rating to “B3”, as evidence of international recognition of Nigeria’s economic progress.

“What this administration has achieved is to end the regimes of volatility and unpredictability that once defined our economy,” Shettima stated. “The phase before us now is to ensure that these macroeconomic gains trickle down to the people — from the kiosks of our neighborhood traders to the boardrooms of our multinational corporations.”

He emphasized that the government’s decisions are guided by the need to apply innovative, 21st-century solutions to today’s challenges.

“We need a digital ecosystem that works as seamlessly in Lagos as it does in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Gusau, and across every corner of our nation,” the Vice President added.

Shettima further urged Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing digital revolution, stressing that the country must not remain a bystander as it had been during previous industrial revolutions.

“We can no longer lament our absence at the table of past revolutions. This digital era offers us a redemptive opportunity to define our own terms in the next chapter of global progress,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the enabling digital policies under the Tinubu administration are designed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

He encouraged stakeholders to use the conference as a platform to deepen collaboration, adding that Nigeria is well-positioned to become a global model for technology adoption and shared prosperity.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, commended the Vice President for his unwavering support and for consistently championing the cause of Nigerian youths.

Abdullahi reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to empowering young people with digital skills and opportunities to address national challenges in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, highlighted the growing global reliance on multiple digital devices, noting the vast socio-economic potential of the digital economy for Nigeria and the world.

The Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition serves as the nation’s flagship technology event, bringing together government officials, innovators, industry experts, and investors to chart the course for a digitally driven and inclusive economy.

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has stated that the federal government plans to create two million digital jobs yearly as part of efforts to ensure young Nigerians partake fully in the fourth industrial revolution.

The Vice President stated this during an interview on Arise TV on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

According to him, Africa’s young population presents a unique advantage to the continent in the ongoing technological revolution with respect to AI and the Internet.

He noted that in the future, Africa led by Nigeria will become the global outsourcing capital as shortage of workers becomes prevalent all over Europe, America and even Asia.

He stated, “We are in a unique position. 230 million people 75% are below the age of 30 and are very much at home with digital technology. We can really take advantage of the digital revolution and rightfully take our place in the comity of nations”

“The present administration is poised to take advantage of this. There is the $618 million I-DICE program whereby we want to create two million digital jobs every year”
The Vice President further highlighted the potential of digital technology and the global outsourcing industry in attracting foreign capital using India as a reference point.

He noted that the highest Nigeria has ever derived from crude oil was $35 billion in 2011 during the administration of President Jonathan while India is poised to receive around $100 billion in 2024 from outsourcing alone.

Sen. Shettima has emphasized that Nigeria’s presence in Davos is to interact and collaborate with other countries on a mutually beneficial position and not to beg for alms.

He stated that contrary to popular opinion, the African continent is not poor but rather a rich resource capital for the world.

In allaying the fears of investors coming into the country, the Vice President promised that in the coming months, there will be novel solutions to different macroeconomic problems, especially in the foreign exchange market.

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In a significant boost to Edo State’s tech ecosystem, Co-creation Hub (Cc Hub) has announced a $700,000 investment in local startups through its Innovation Challenge and Support programs. In collaboration with the Edo State Government and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Cc Hub aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Under the initiative, 30 startups stand to receive $10,000 each through the Inclusion-Focused Support Program, while another 20 startups will benefit from the Innovation Challenge Program, receiving $20,000 each.

This strategic move is expected to strengthen the digital solutions landscape in Edo State.Dr. Bosun Tijani, co-founder of Cc Hub and Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the inclusive nature of the programs, targeting startups with underrepresented founders, particularly women.

The call for applications is open, inviting interested startups in Edo State to apply by the deadline on February 12, 2024.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program, which plans to inject $617.7 million into Nigerian startups. Spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President, i-DICE aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industry sectors.

International collaboration plays a crucial role in i-DICE, with funding contributions from the French Development Agency, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the Bank of Industry. Of the total fund, the French Development Agency is contributing 100 million euros ($116 million).

The overarching goal of i-DICE is to train two million young people, empowering them to build their ecosystem. Access to financing for innovative businesses and startups is a key component, signaling a concerted effort to shape the future of Nigeria’s digital and creative landscape

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In a bid to support information technology revolution that would extend the reach of economic and social interactions and enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the federal government and ALAT have launched Skill Innovation knowns as Skillnovation Programme.

The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.

Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the Skillnovation as a transformative initiative that ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians.

According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, he said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth industrial revolution.

“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”

The vice president said the gathering was one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Tinubu was fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.

The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres strategically placed across Nigeria to provide individuals and businesses alike access to cutting-edge digital training, resources and support.

The first phase of the programme will focus on Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo and Kano while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara and Ekiti.

Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, the vice president said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the senior special assistant to the president on job creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.

The managing director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the government for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.

He said the programme would directly impact two million youths and one million small businesses across the benefitting states.

Minister of communications and digital economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s would leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector.

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TECHDIGEST – Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his admiration for Google’s N1.2 billion grant, which is aimed at bolstering the President Tinubu administration’s ambitious one million jobs initiative.

During a meeting with Google executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima lauded the announcement of the N1.2 billion grant to support the digital jobs initiative, highlighting its potential to inspire other companies.

“We must think innovatively to generate more employment opportunities. Turning ideas into reality is challenging, and this administration is eager to collaborate with you,” Shettima affirmed.

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He emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for business and President Tinubu’s dedication to leaving a lasting positive legacy for the nation.

Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s substantial youth population presents a unique opportunity for the nation to create countless digital sector jobs, citing its large English-speaking populace and its potential to bridge the global talent gap.

“We are actively engaged with partners such as Access Bank and Wema Bank, as well as the Bank of Industry, to empower our youth with digital skills and generate employment.

“We are enthusiastic about collaborating with Google to advance our nation,” Shettima declared.

Mr. Olumide Balogun, the Director of Google, West Africa, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the Tinubu administration’s goal of establishing one million digital jobs. Google pledged over N1.2 billion in grants to support this vision, aiming to equip over 20,000 youths and women with digital skills, empower startups, and foster sector growth.

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TECHDIGEST– Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the Republic of Korea in digital skills training and trade. He made the remarks on Monday when he received a delegation from Korea led by the Special Envoy to the President, H.E. Jang Sungmin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea (H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol), Mr. Jang Sungmin, congratulated Nigeria for the successful inauguration of the new government and conveyed a special invitation from President Yoon to his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, to attend the forthcoming Africa-Korea Summit in South

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Shettima said that Nigeria is in a unique position to fill the global talent deficit in technology, as 75% of Nigerians are below the age of 35. He said that Nigeria wants to create 1 million jobs in the digital world, and that Korea has the technology and skills to help Nigeria achieve this goal.

Shettima also assured the Korean delegation that President Tinubu will honour the invitation of his Korean counterpart to the Africa-Korea summit in 2024. He added that Nigeria truly appreciates the Republic of Korea’s support to Nigeria in multilateral institutions, in the UN General Assembly, and in Nigeria’s quest for a seat in the Security Council.

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