The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have called for increased investment in local digital innovations to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.
They made the call at the 2026 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE), organised by NITDA in Abuja on Tuesday. The event’s theme was “Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future: Secure, Intelligent and Inclusive Systems”.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Aristotle Onumo, said NITDA was targeting N3 billion in pipeline investments through its Builders Festival initiative.
He said the initiative was designed to connect Nigerian startups with real-world operational challenges identified by government institutions, corporations and financial organisations.
According to him, more than 100 verified challenges across sectors—including healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics, digital identity and artificial intelligence—had been matched with prequalified Nigerian startups offering ready-to-deploy solutions.
“Our target is to unlock a pipeline investment of N3 billion, and I believe it is possible,” he said.
Inuwa said the conference was structured around four pillars: the Builders Festival, policy and strategic discussions, practical masterclasses, and the Nigeria Digital Honours Award.
He said the event was designed to turn discussions into practical outcomes, including contracts, jobs, revenue and improved public services.
He urged government institutions to become the first customers of Nigerian innovations and encouraged investors to support local technology entrepreneurs.
NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim said Nigeria’s ambition to build a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 required the deliberate integration of technology, enterprise and investment.
Ibrahim said Nigeria had nearly 40 million micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which accounted for about 46 per cent of gross domestic product and nearly 88 per cent of employment.
He said digital transformation must extend beyond large corporations to small businesses across the country.
He identified three priorities for the NITDA-NACCIMA partnership: business-to-business deal rooms and commercial agreements; a 10,000 AI Enterprise Accelerator programme; and improved digital trust through cybersecurity and data protection.
“Do not merely admire Nigerian innovation. Please buy it, and not only do that, fund it,” he said.
Jimmy Mauldin, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, called for stronger international partnerships to support the country’s digital development.
Mauldin said Nigeria could achieve technological sovereignty while maintaining global connectivity and access to secure technologies.
“Real technological sovereignty does not mean isolation. It means choosing the best technology in the world while building your own national champions on top of it,” he said.
He identified digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity and commercial partnerships as key areas for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
The Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, described a secure digital environment as a national imperative, particularly amid rising cyberattacks and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
He commended NITDA for promoting a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem through data protection, e-governance, startup support and digital literacy initiatives.
The three-day conference also features exhibitions, practical training sessions, business engagements and recognition of outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
