Policy Over Pipes: NITDA Pushes Blueprint for Nigeria’s Digital Leap

"Nigeria’s broadband policy, which prescribes minimum internet speeds of 10 Mbps for rural areas and 25 Mbps for urban centres, is already guiding targeted infrastructure deployment along the Lagos–Abuja digital corridor." Inuwa 

..... "Warns that achieving widespread connectivity would require deeper collaboration across sectors.

..... Says “Collaboration is the pathway that massifies impact, while partnership harnesses collective intelligence. No one can achieve this in isolation."

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated that sound policy—not just infrastructure—will determine the pace and sustainability of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this position known through his representative, Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnership, during a panel session at the IoT West Africa Conference themed “The Lagos Abuja Digital Corridor: Building Africa’s Next Data Centre and Cloud Hub.”

Speaking at the event, Dr Onumo stressed that while infrastructure development often responds to market demand, it is policy that lays the foundation for long-term digital growth.

He explained that Nigeria’s broadband policy, which prescribes minimum internet speeds of 10 Mbps for rural areas and 25 Mbps for urban centres, is already guiding targeted infrastructure deployment along the Lagos–Abuja digital corridor. However, he warned that achieving widespread connectivity would require deeper collaboration across sectors.

“Collaboration is the pathway that massifies impact, while partnership harnesses collective intelligence. No one can achieve this in isolation,” he said.

Dr Onumo also highlighted the Nigerian Sovereign Cloud Project, describing it as a strategic initiative designed to strengthen local cloud providers and reduce reliance on foreign hyperscale operators. According to him, the project will help domesticate data hosting, cut operational costs, and expand access to cloud services nationwide.

He further noted that policy must go beyond enabling infrastructure to actively driving demand. He cited the consolidation of servers by government agencies as a deliberate move to boost cloud adoption and attract investment in data centres.

“We are no longer looking at IT from the perspective of infrastructure alone, but as an integrated system that creates value for the people,” Onumo said.

Calling for stronger public-private partnerships, he emphasised the need for stakeholders to jointly “co-create, co-own, and co-deliver” digital infrastructure and services.

Onumo also drew attention to NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All programme, which aims to equip 70 per cent of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027. Through collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the agency is deploying digital literacy champions across the country’s 774 local government areas, with a target of training 30 million Nigerians within three years.

“That is the power of collaboration and partnership,” he added.

In a related development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, underscored the importance of robust data protection frameworks in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy.

Delivering the Day 2 keynote address, Olatunji highlighted the growing significance of data sovereignty, data centres, and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. He warned that non-compliance poses serious risks, even as adherence offers economic and security benefits.

The NDPC boss expressed concern that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s data is currently hosted abroad, describing the situation as a threat to national sovereignty. He, however, urged increased investment in local data infrastructure, noting that the sector is projected to grow to $1.9 billion by 2031.

Together, both agencies reinforced a common message: Nigeria’s digital future will depend not only on physical infrastructure, but on deliberate policies, strategic partnerships, and strong regulatory frameworks capable of unlocking innovation and inclusive economic growth.