Nigeria is ramping up efforts to strengthen its digital sovereignty through the development of a robust national software infrastructure and an enhanced digital governance framework. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at securing the nation’s data, fostering local technological capacity, and positioning the country for long-term digital independence.
Central to this initiative is the formulation of high-standard regulatory policies designed to drive seamless digital integration while ensuring that critical national systems remain firmly under domestic control.
Speaking during an engagement with Ericsson’s management at GITEX Africa in Morocco, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that Nigeria’s digital agenda is rooted in safeguarding national interests rather than aligning with global geopolitical tensions.
According to him, the country is focused on building a resilient digital ecosystem that enables it to independently shape its technological future.
“We are developing our national software infrastructure and introducing high-standard regulatory policies to strengthen digital integration capacity,” he said. “This is not about geopolitics or banning any country. It is about ensuring that Nigeria has control and can define its digital future.”
Inuwa clarified that Nigeria is not adopting an exclusionary stance toward global technology companies. Instead, the government is advocating for balanced partnerships that promote local value creation.
“We welcome hyperscalers to Nigeria, but they must collaborate with local partners, create value within Africa, and ensure that such value is retained here,” he added.
Drawing comparisons with global best practices, Inuwa referenced regulatory frameworks such as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, and Data Governance Act as examples of how regions are asserting control over their digital ecosystems through structured policy implementation.
He noted that Nigeria’s approach aligns with the growing global recognition of digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure—a position already reinforced by existing executive orders in the country.
“Building a fully sovereign digital system is a gradual process. Even the European Union achieved it over time,” he stated.
A key priority of Nigeria’s strategy is to ensure that data generated within its borders is adequately protected, while also fostering local intellectual capacity and digital innovation.
“We want to retain our digital intelligence within the country and actively participate in value creation, rather than merely consuming imported technologies,” he said.
Inuwa also highlighted longstanding global industrial imbalances, noting that Africa has historically contributed raw materials, labour, and data without reaping the full benefits of value-added production.
“This digital era presents an opportunity to change that narrative. Africa must not be left behind again—we must build and own our digital solutions,” he stressed.
Ongoing discussions are also addressing data ownership frameworks, particularly in emerging technologies and industrial systems, where control over machine-generated data is becoming increasingly critical.
The Nigerian government is expected to roll out clearer policy directions in the coming months as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
On the industry front, Ericsson reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Amos Haddebe, the company’s Director for Government and Policy Advocacy in Africa, noted that Ericsson has been active in Nigeria for over 50 years, supporting the evolution of telecom infrastructure from 2G to 5G.
He highlighted the company’s continued collaboration with major operators, including MTN Group, in advancing the country’s digital transformation goals.
Haddebe also outlined key components of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Nigerian government in October 2024. These include the establishment of a joint innovation hub, the organization of a national hackathon, digital skills development initiatives, and the exchange of global best practices.
He revealed that the national hackathon, launched under the supervision of the Vice President, is already in progress and will feed into broader innovation-driven programmes.
Addressing wider industry dynamics, Haddebe warned of increasing competition within Africa’s telecom sector and urged governments to prioritize ICT infrastructure as a matter of national security. He also advocated for a diversified vendor ecosystem to enhance resilience and protect critical systems.
Overall, the engagement underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to digital sovereignty, strategic global partnerships, and the development of a secure, inclusive, and competitive digital economy.
