The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a player in the global digital economy, stressing that the country must seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing digital revolution to achieve relevance, inclusion, and prosperity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE 2025), a three-day event organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Shettima described the digital economy as Nigeria’s “second chance” to redefine its role in the global economy after missing opportunities in past industrial revolutions.
The conference, which brings together policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders, provides a platform to discuss strategies for growth through digital transformation.
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria’s economic future depends on digital innovation, noting that the country has a large talent pool capable of transforming the economy and positioning Nigeria as a technology hub.
According to him, “President Tinubu administration’s ongoing reforms are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for digital growth.
“We cannot continue lamenting our absence in previous industrial revolutions. This digital era offers us an opportunity to define our place in the next chapter of global progress. Digital innovation provides a path to our destination.
“It is not just a youth-led sector; it is the future. It offers a solution to our pursuit of relevance, opportunity, and transformation,” Shettima said.
He outlined that the government’s digital strategy is anchored on three pillars: people, infrastructure, and policy.
The administration is building a pipeline of digital talent through the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, expanding broadband connectivity nationwide, and advancing the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to create an enabling environment for innovation.
Shettima also highlighted that digital transformation will enable participation across all sectors, from rural farmers accessing market data to young Nigerians working remotely for global companies.
He described the sector as a tool for diversification and sustainability and commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA, and other agencies for their efforts.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disclosed that the government plans to install 4,000 new telecommunication towers to connect 20 million Nigerians currently without mobile services.
Tijani revealed ongoing investments in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure to position Nigeria as a leader in digital research and innovation.
Read also: Digital economy bill will unlock Nigeria’s $1 trillion growth potential — Tijani
He noted that Digital Nigeria is more than an annual event; it is a national call to reflect on how technology can drive economic growth, inclusion, and competitiveness.
Tijani highlighted that Nigeria’s digital journey has been shaped by reforms and leadership, from the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 1999 to current initiatives transforming the economy.
“Digital Nigeria is a platform to reflect on what digital means for our past, present, and future. It is an opportunity to pause, strategize, and work together to deliver a shared vision of prosperity and inclusion through technology,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s digital progress has been driven by decisive actions.
The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 1999 raised the country’s GDP growth from about 3 percent to over 5 percent. Connectivity, once limited to a few families, is now almost universal.
Tijani also noted that the ICT sector currently contributes between 16 and 18 percent to the nation’s GDP and is projected to soon surpass oil and gas.
He revealed that Nigeria is leading a World Bank-backed project to deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre across the country, the largest project of its kind in any developing nation.
In his welcome address, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to driving innovation and digital inclusion in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
Abdullahi noted that this year’s conference, themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth and Inclusion,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight priority areas, particularly economic reform and diversification through digitalisation.
He said the event has attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 states across Nigeria. The conference provides a platform to exchange ideas within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and strengthen ties with the global innovation community.
Abdullahi emphasised the urgency of harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential, warning that the country’s youthful population could be either its greatest asset or its most pressing challenge.
“We are a nation of over 220 million people, with an average age of 18. If we channel the energy and talent of our youth, we can propel not just Nigeria but the entire continent into a new era of growth. But if we fail to provide platforms for them to create value, we are wasting our most important resource,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Vice President Shettima for attending the event, describing his presence as a signal of the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment.
The conference continues to bring together key players, innovators, and policymakers to explore strategies for growth through digital transformation.
