The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy, urging collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Delivering his keynote address at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abuja, Tijani described the annual gathering as more than a technology showcase but a national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action that will define the country’s place in the global digital future.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Digital Nigeria 2025 a dialogue, a collaboration, and an action platform towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy for our nation,” he said. “This event reminds us of what digital truly means for our past, our present reality, and the future we are striving to build.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s digital journey, Tijani recalled the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 1999 as a bold policy shift that transformed the nation’s economy. Before the reform, he noted, only a few Nigerians had access to telephones, and making international calls meant visiting special centres and waiting in long queues.
“That decision marked the birth of a new economy built on ideas and innovation,” he stated. “The introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions.”
According to the Minister, the impact of that reform continues to resonate across sectors, with the digital economy now contributing about 18 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) a testament to its growing role as a driver of national growth and diversification.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s global standing in financial technology (fintech), pointing out that the country host five of Africa’s nine technology unicorns and operate one of the most efficient and responsive payment systems in the world.
“Transactions that take hours or days elsewhere are completed instantly here,” Tijani said. “This innovation has positioned Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s digital and innovation ecosystem.”
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for embedding technology and innovation as central pillars of governance, focused on inclusivity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
He stressed that the government’s vision extends beyond adopting new technologies to fostering a digital culture that enables Nigerians to become producers not merely consumers of technology.
“Digital Nigeria 2025 is not about technology for its own sake. It’s about people ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, can benefit from and contribute to our digital future,” he said.
Tijani urged participants to use the three-day event to network, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that translate discussions into tangible progress.
“This is the time to reflect, strategise, and act. The vision is clear a nation built on prosperity, inclusion, and competitiveness, powered by innovation,” he concluded.
