In a major stride toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and digital economy ecosystem, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum, a key initiative designed to fast-track the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA).
The virtual launch, which attracted stakeholders from across the country including private sector leaders, development partners, angel investors, venture capitalists, Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs), and labelled startups marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, tech-driven development.
Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, described the forum as a platform for impactful collaboration and inclusive governance. “This is more than a stakeholder meeting. It is a commitment to building a stronger tech ecosystem through collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven governance,” he said.
He emphasized that the Nigeria Startup Act is not just legislation but a framework for national development. “Startups are not fringe players. They are central to Nigeria’s economic future,” he added.
Inuwa outlined progress made under the NSA over the past eight months, including stakeholder engagements across 10 states, participation in major tech events such as Lagos Tech Week, Omniverse Summit, Moonlight Conference, and Akwa Ibom Tech Week, as well as extensive awareness campaigns.
According to him, the forum will serve as a crucial feedback engine highlighting regulatory gaps, guiding policy reforms, and creating a more startup-friendly environment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
While inaugurating the forum on behalf of the DG, Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions at NITDA, urged members to see the forum as a catalyst for innovative breakthroughs. “We remain deeply committed to nurturing a space where innovation can flourish. Let us shape ideas into policies that leave lasting impact,” he said.
Earlier, Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), described the forum as a structured dialogue between innovators and enablers. She outlined five key success pillars: access to funding, capacity building, supportive policy, inclusive innovation, and global competitiveness.
She challenged stakeholders to turn the forum into a practical, solutions-oriented platform. “This must not be another talk shop. Let startups speak boldly, let private sector players go beyond funding, and let government harmonize its support efforts,” she urged.
With the Startup Consultative Forum now active, NITDA reaffirmed its resolve to position startups at the core of Nigeria’s innovation-driven future.
