Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called on Nigerian youth to...
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called on Nigerian youth to take charge in steering Africa's digital transformation, highlighting that the country's young population is crucial for a successful and inclusive future.
Speaking during his opening speech at the three-day Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Inuwa expressed sincere gratitude to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for attending, calling it a strong indication that this government has a deep commitment to our young people.
The event offers an energetic forum for participants in the ecosystem to present their initiatives and examine new developments focused on shaping the country and continent's digital tomorrow.
Hosted by NITDA, the Digital Nigeria Conference acts as a medium connecting government and business sectors, encouraging cooperation among decision-makers, creators, and corporate executives. It seeks to align regulatory systems, encourage joint ventures between public and private entities, and ensure the successful execution of Nigeria's national digital plans for equitable and lasting development.
Inuwa pointed out that the conference's theme, Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness, corresponds to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially its emphasis on economic diversification via digitalization, industrialization, and innovation.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Federal Government's dedication to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and internationally competitive digital economy. He urged various stakeholders to collaborate in order to realize Nigeria's objectives for digital transformation.
Dr. Tijani characterized the annual event as beyond a typical technology conference. In his view, Digital Nigeria functions as a national forum for discussion, cooperation, and practical approaches that will influence the nation's future in the digital age.
"I am delighted to welcome you all to Digital Nigeria 2025, an initiative I view as a conversation, but also as a partnership and a call to action in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy for our country. This gathering highlights the significance of digital transformation in our history, current situation, and the future we aim to create," he stated.
Dr. Tijani led the audience through a thoughtful exploration of Nigeria's digital past, highlighting that the opening up of the telecommunications sector in 1999 was a courageous and significant move that altered the course of the country's economy.
"The choice signified the start of a new economic era driven by creativity and advancement. The arrival of mobile internet transformed how Nigerians live, earn a living, and communicate, sparking a digital transformation that keeps opening up possibilities for countless people," the Minister stated.
He highlighted that the impact of that one reform is still being experienced throughout various industries, and also pointed out that the digital economy currently accounts for roughly 18 percent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), showcasing the sector's increasing significance as a catalyst for national growth and economic variety.
He also emphasized Nigeria's position as a leader in financial technology (fintech) advancements, pointing to the nation's sophisticated digital payment infrastructure and dynamic startup environment.
"Nigeria currently has one of the most effective and quick payment systems globally. Transactions that usually take hours or even days in other places are done immediately here. This advancement has led to the creation of five of Africa's nine technology unicorns, which are companies valued at more than a billion dollars," Tijani said.
Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, mentioned in his speech that the nation is nearing a significant change as the administration works to enact the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill into law.
He characterized the bill as a fundamental element of the country's goal to create a $1 trillion economy driven by digital advancement. Highlighting its importance, he stated that the bill goes beyond mere legal changes—it is "a strategic move toward integrating technology into the core of governance, economic strategy, and national growth."
Creating a strong comparison to Nigeria's cashless initiative, which spurred the fintech boom, the Vice President stated that the expected effect of the new law would spark a govtech transformation.
"Similar to how the cashless policy triggered the fintech revolution, this new law will spark the govtech revolution—a time of more intelligent governance, increased transparency, and equitable service provision," he stated.
He stated that this new era would be characterized by more intelligent governance, increased openness, and equitable service provision, all supported by digital technologies and systems. He emphasized that the bill is a component of a larger national plan aimed at establishing Nigeria as a global pioneer in digital advancement, with the capacity to revolutionize all areas of society.
He pointed out that Nigeria, home to more than 220 million people with an average age of 18, is at a crucial turning point, which could either lead to extraordinary growth or worsen social and economic issues if the country does not tap into the innovation of its young population.
"If we tap into the energy, creativity, and abilities of our young people, we won't only energize Nigeria, but we can also drive the whole of Africa into a new period of wealth. However, if we don't equip our youth, if we don't offer them a space to generate value, we are hindering the most precious resource we possess as a country," he stated.
The director of NITDA disclosed that the 2025 conference has drawn more than 4,800 attendees from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, positioning it as a significant event for innovators, decision-makers, and financiers on both national and global levels.
He stated, "The event this year includes 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses spread over five thematic tracks."
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