The Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) has elected four regional representatives into the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE) to support the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA).
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), announced this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
The NCDIE, established under the Nigeria Startup Act, serves as the apex governing body driving the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. It operates under the supervision of NITDA.
According to Umar, the elected representatives are Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (South-West), Charles Emembolu (South-East), Abba Gamawa (North-East), and Victoria Manya (North-Central).
“These distinguished individuals will represent the voices of startup founders and innovators across the country. Their inclusion in the council ensures that grassroots innovators, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders actively shape policies and strategies that impact Nigeria’s startup ecosystem,” Umar said.
She explained that the election followed the inauguration of the SCF, during which members from all six geopolitical zones nominated and voted for their regional representatives.
Umar noted that the process reflected NITDA’s commitment to fostering collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s digital economy.
The election, conducted by the agency’s subsidiary—the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)—underscored NITDA’s drive to nurture startups, promote innovation, and enhance cooperation for national development.
Umar described the exercise as a major milestone in implementing the Nigeria Startup Act, as it allows startup founders to directly participate in policy discussions affecting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The NCDIE comprises democratically elected representatives from the startup community, alongside government agencies, regulators, investors, academia, and other key stakeholders, ensuring inclusive governance in Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
