In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) has successfully elected four representatives to serve on the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE) the apex body responsible for implementing the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA).
The elected representatives are:
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – South West
Charles Uchenna Emembolu – South East
Abba Ibrahim Gamawa – North East
Victoria Ojoagefu Manya – North Central
These individuals will serve as the official voices of startup founders and digital innovators on the Council, which plays a critical role in shaping policies, coordinating national innovation strategies, and supporting the growth of technology-driven enterprises across Nigeria.
The election process was facilitated by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and was conducted in strict alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Startup Act. Members of the Startup Consultative Forum from all six geopolitical zones nominated and voted for their zonal representatives through a transparent, inclusive process.
This development mark the first time in Nigeria’s history that startup founders have been formally integrated into a national policy-making body signifying a major shift toward participatory governance in the digital economy sector.
Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar in a statement said “This election underscores our commitment to inclusive and collaborative policy-making. By giving innovators a seat at the table, we are strengthening the foundation of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem,”
The NCDIE, established under the Nigeria Startup Act, served as the central coordination platform for the implementation of startup-focused initiatives. The Council brought together key stakeholders including government agencies, regulators, academia, investors, and now, democratically elected startup community representatives.
The inclusion of grassroots innovation leaders is expected to improve policy feedback mechanisms, build trust between government and industry, and foster an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and job creation.
NITDA, through ONDI, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a vibrant digital economy, nurturing innovation, and ensuring that startup founders are actively engaged in shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech-driven development.
As the Council commenced its work, the contributions of the newly elected representatives are anticipated to drive meaningful impact and accelerate the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act nationwide.
