NITDA urges control of Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for increased control over Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure to maximize the economic value of its growing digital economy. Speaking at GITEX AI Nigeria in Lagos, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa stated that digital technology is essential to Nigeria’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by boosting productivity and income generation.

Inuwa highlighted the National Cloud-First Policy, which encourages businesses and large organizations to prioritize cloud infrastructure. He clarified that the policy is not intended to exclude international technology companies or hyperscalers, but rather to invite them to invest in local infrastructure and operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework. He stated, “We are saying, come to Nigeria, work with us and build with us.”

The agency also emphasized the need for stronger protection of sensitive data, including defense, financial, healthcare, and citizen information, due to its implications for national and economic security. Additionally, NITDA identified health-tech, agri-tech, and ed-tech as key sectors for startup growth, noting Nigeria’s role as a major internet transit hub for West and Central Africa.