Nigeria stepped boldly into its digital future as leaders, innovators and policymakers gathered in Abuja for the 2025 edition of the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Vice President Kashim Shettima opened the event, describing the nation’s digital economy as a renewed pathway toward global relevance.
Held for three days, DNICE 2025 examined how Nigeria can secure digital sovereignty, enhance governance systems, and harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to power inclusive economic growth. NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to training millions of Nigerians and pushing the country toward 70 percent digital literacy by 2027. He reiterated the urgent need to equip Nigeria’s youthful population with skills that will define Africa’s digital future.
leaders in Nigeria’s digital space painted a clear picture of where the nation stands and where it must go. Speaking on the new frontier of digital sovereignty, DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reminded participants that “Nigeria is at a critical crossroads.” Taking the podium, he emphasized that the country’s digital ambitions can only be achieved if young people are given the space to create value. “If we fail to give our youth the room to innovate, if we don’t bring them together, engage them, and give them opportunities to solve real problems, then we risk losing the dividends of this digital era,” he warned. For him, innovation is not a luxury but the engine for sustainable development.
Media and ICT advocate Dr. Bayero Agabi echoed this sentiment, pointing to the fast-shifting global landscape and stressing that Nigeria must define its own digital path. He noted that digital sovereignty is no longer an abstract concept but a strategic necessity for nations that want to remain competitive and secure in a highly interconnected world.
From the policy side, Moshood Tijjani offered a candid reminder that leadership will determine the direction of Nigeria’s digital future. “Strong leadership builds, while weak leadership breaks,” he said, urging stakeholders to champion accountability, collaboration and long-term thinking.
Representing the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima reinforced the need to combine skills, innovation and national willpower. His message aligned closely with tech entrepreneur Osita Oparaougo, who delivered one of the conference’s most memorable lines: “If you have a certificate and no skill, you are not ready.” He challenged Nigeria to rethink its educational foundation if it truly wants to rewrite how its citizens work, live and innovate. According to him, certificates will mean little in a world driven by competencies.
Education advocate Amanda Omachi brought the discussion home by focusing on children, the earliest points in the digital pipeline. She posed an essential question: How can primary and secondary schools embrace digital learning without overwhelming learners? Her answer centered on content design. Technology, she said, must be age-appropriate, engaging and supportive. “We need digital content that appeals to them and tools that give meaningful feedback,” she explained, noting that young learners thrive when technology inspires rather than intimidates.
Together, the speakers offered a unified message: Nigeria’s digital future will be sustained only if the nation invests in skills, empowers youth, strengthens leadership and introduces technology to children in thoughtful, inclusive ways. The path ahead is challenging, but, as DNICE 2025 made clear, it is also full of possibility.
