Tijani, Inuwa Rally Stakeholders at Digital Nigeria 2025 Conference
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, have urged stakeholders across sectors to unite in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and building a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy.
The duo made the call at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The annual event, organised by NITDA, serves as the country’s flagship platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action toward advancing the national digital agenda.
In his keynote address, Tijani described Digital Nigeria as more than just a technology conference, noting that it represents a movement for innovation, inclusion and nation-building.
READ ALSO: COWA Flags Off First Green Border Day, to Host COP30 Side Event in Brazil
“Digital Nigeria 2025 is not about technology for its own sake. It is about people — ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, can benefit from and contribute to our digital future,” he said.
The Minister reflected on Nigeria’s digital evolution, pointing to the 1999 liberalisation of the telecommunications sector as a transformative milestone that opened the door for economic growth driven by innovation and connectivity.
“That decision marked the beginning of a new economy built on ideas and innovation. The introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions,” Tijani said.
He disclosed that the digital economy currently contributes 18 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its growing impact on national development.
Tijani also noted Nigeria’s leadership in financial technology, noting that the country’s robust digital payment systems have produced five of Africa’s nine technology unicorns, each valued at over one billion dollars.
“Today, Nigeria boasts one of the most efficient and responsive payment systems in the world. Transactions that take hours or even days elsewhere are completed instantly here,” he added.
Tijani commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising technology and innovation as central pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in fostering youth empowerment and economic diversification.
“Our focus is on creating a digital culture that empowers Nigerians to become producers, not just consumers, of technology,” he said.
On his part, NITDA DG, Kashifu Inuwa, urged Nigerian youth to lead Africa’s digital transformation, describing them as the country’s most valuable resource.
He noted that this year’s edition of the conference attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 states, featuring 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks — digital connectivity; digital public infrastructure and trust; artificial intelligence and emerging technologies; digital trade and innovation; and digital skills and literacy.
“If we harness the energy, creativity and talent of our youth, we can power not just Nigeria but the entire Africa into a new era of prosperity,” Inuwa said.
He added that every conversation and partnership formed at the conference should translate into tangible progress for the nation.
“Every handshake, every dialogue, and every deal made here should be driven by one conviction, Nigeria can do it, and we will do it,” he stated.
The Digital Nigeria Conference and Exhibition continues to serve as a bridge between government, innovators and the private sector, fostering collaboration and policy alignment to accelerate the country’s digital and economic growth.
