Nigeria Takes Lead in Global WSIS+20 Digital Agenda
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Nigeria has positioned itself at the forefront of global digital cooperation with the unveiling of a comprehensive strategy aimed at localising commitments under the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) framework.
The multi-pronged roadmap, unveiled in New York at a Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,” prioritises digital infrastructure, transparent internet governance and strengthened cybersecurity through extensive stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr Dimie Shively Wariowei, said Nigeria’s approach aligns with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.
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According to him, the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.
Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the bedrock of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities.
He also pointed to affordability constraints and digital literacy gaps as major issues Nigeria must address to achieve meaningful digital inclusion.
He explained that government alone could not bear the burden of nationwide infrastructure deployment, given the country’s vast geographical spread, hence the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
Inuwa disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres nationwide to boost connectivity.
The NITDA boss further revealed that the current National Broadband Plan is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years.
He said the renewed plan would focus on increasing broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.
On internet governance, Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), noting that the country successfully hosts its annual national IGF through a multi-stakeholder model involving government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community.
He added that cybersecurity remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts, citing the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version awaiting parliamentary approval.
These measures, he said, are aimed at mitigating risks associated with increased internet usage and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
Inuwa also stressed Nigeria’s ambition to play a leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa, reiterating the importance of coordinated national data collection to track progress and present Africa’s digital development narrative on the global stage.
Stakeholders at the event commended Nigeria’s growing influence in the digital space.
Earlier, Ms Jennifer Chung, Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based delegation and demonstrating commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.
Chung noted the increasing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms, stressing that platforms such as national and regional IGF initiatives, as well as youth-led forums, are critical for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
She described the WSIS+20 review as a vital step towards effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South, adding that expanding broadband access and reducing connectivity costs remain crucial to closing digital divides.
Chung also emphasised the need for inclusive participation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and future innovations, noting that equitable digital access is key to maximising the benefits of global digital transformation.
She called for sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to translate the WSIS vision from global commitments into tangible local action.
