NITDA woos US firms for digital investment, backs sovereign cloud
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA has called on American technology companies and investors to partner with Nigeria in developing local digital infrastructure, assuring them that the country’s sovereignty policy is designed to attract investment rather than shut out foreign firms.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, stated this while receiving a delegation of American businesses led by the President of the U.S.-Africa Business Centre, Kendra Gaither, during a visit to the agency.
The delegation included representatives of Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy.
Inuwa said Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda focused on expanding access to essential digital services and enabling citizens and local businesses to create value within the digital economy.
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“Our policy intent is just about two things. First, to make sure our citizens have basic access, no matter what. What I mean by no matter what means we should have a capacity for digital self-determination,” he said.
The NITDA boss explained that the Federal Government’s sovereign cloud initiative was aimed at strengthening national control over critical digital infrastructure, improving resilience and reducing risks associated with disruptions to essential technology services.
He said the policy was not intended to exclude international technology companies but to encourage them to invest in Nigeria and work with local businesses to develop sustainable solutions.
“It’s not about politics. It’s not about locking our doors against anybody, but it’s about inviting you to come and build with us,” Inuwa said.
He added that investment in domestic data centres and cloud infrastructure would support local innovation, create business opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a technology hub for West and Central Africa.
Inuwa disclosed that the Federal Government had invested more than N4.5tn in information technology between June 2023 and June 2026.
He said the investments could deliver greater economic benefits if supported by appropriate infrastructure and policy frameworks that would enable relevant government technology services to be hosted on locally operated sovereign cloud platforms.
On concerns about data localisation and regulatory compliance, particularly among financial technology companies, the NITDA director-general said the agency was working with relevant regulators, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to develop an assurance framework.
According to him, the framework would clarify technical requirements, facilitate compliance and encourage investment in local digital infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for flexibility in cloud computing, arguing that businesses and government institutions should be able to move their services between providers without unnecessary restrictions.
“We need that portability. If Google has better services, I should be able to move my services from Microsoft to Google or AWS,” he said.
Inuwa maintained that technology policies should promote fair competition among service providers while allowing organisations to adopt solutions that best meet their operational requirements.
He said NITDA had previously engaged major technology companies, local providers and other stakeholders in developing Nigeria’s cloud-first policy, urging the visiting businesses to sustain consultations with the agency and align their investments with the country’s digital priorities.
The director-general also invited Cavista Holdings to submit a formal proposal for consideration after the company expressed interest in collaborating with NITDA on digital transformation, workforce development and employment-oriented skills programmes.
Earlier, Gaither said the American business community was interested in expanding commercial engagement with Nigeria, identifying digital transformation, regulatory clarity and investment predictability as important factors for strengthening bilateral economic relations.
She described Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s information technology and digital economy, noting that its policy direction had implications for businesses operating across West Africa and the wider continent.
Gaither said the delegation sought constructive engagement with NITDA to understand the country’s evolving regulatory environment and identify areas of cooperation that would support investment and innovation.
She called for a secure, competitive and predictable regulatory framework that would provide Nigerian businesses and foreign investors with clearer expectations for compliance and long-term investment decisions.
The U.S.-Africa Business Centre president also raised concerns about overlapping regulatory responsibilities and the need for greater clarity in cloud computing, data governance and financial services.
She, however, stressed that American companies were willing to comply with Nigeria’s regulations while continuing to expand their operations in the country.
Gaither said the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was ready to facilitate further engagement between NITDA and its member companies, adding that sustained dialogue would help resolve regulatory uncertainties, strengthen investor confidence and create opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
She said closer cooperation between the Nigerian government and American businesses could advance the country’s digital transformation while supporting the commercial interests of international technology companies.
