Nigeria’s Startup Consultative Forum constitutes new National Council for Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship

*Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the National Information Technology Development Agency, says the inclusion of four new representatives in the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship will ensure that grassroots innovators, digital entrepreneurs, and tech leaders play an active role in shaping policies, strategies for growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria’s Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) has concluded its election process, which led to the emergence of four representatives that will serve on the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE) for the next two years.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCDIE is the apex governance body established under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to champion the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of the country’s startup agenda.

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Hajia Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), disclosed this development in a statement.

Umar listed the newly-elected representatives as follows:

1. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – South West
2. Charles Uchenna Emembolu – South East
3. Abba Ibrahim Gamawa – North East
4. Victoria Ojoagefu Manya – North Central

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also said: “These distinguished individuals will represent the voices of startup founders and innovators from across the country.

“Their inclusion in the Council will ensure that grassroots innovators, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders play an active role in shaping policies and strategies that directly impact the growth of the Nigerian startup ecosystem.”

On the essence of bring the new representatives on board, NITDA in a verified social media account had said that they were elected “to represent the interests of the startup ecosystem, make input and proposals to the Council, and ensure that founders/innovators contribute directly to achieving the Act’s objectives through policy guidelines and monitoring.”

The agency also said: “Their contributions will help shape Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, promote inclusivity, and ensure that innovation yields tangible economic and social impacts across the country.

This demonstrates the Agency’s commitment in strengthening the digital innovation ecosystem by championing increased collaboration between the government, private sector, academia and other ecosystem stakeholders, paving the way for a brighter digital future!”

Explaining the election process the produced the new representatives on the Council, NITDA revealed its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) in strict compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) administered the process. Following the inauguration of the Startup Consultative Forum earlier in 2025, members from all six geopolitical zones of the country nominated and voted for candidates to represent their zones, the agency noted.

The statement further noted: “This transparent and inclusive process underscores the commitment of ONDI and NITDA to strengthening collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders.”

Establishment and objectives of NCDIE, by NITDA

NITDA describes the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE) as “the principal body mandated to drive the effective implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act” in Nigeria.

It stated the Council formulates policies, coordinates strategic initiatives, and provides oversight that supports the establishment and scaling of innovation-driven enterprises in Nigeria.

The NITDA Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations stated that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, the Council now incorporates democratically-elected representatives from the startup community alongside government agencies, regulators, investors, academia, and other stakeholders, a landmark achievement for inclusive governance.

The election of startup representatives to the NCDIE, the agency noted, is a significant step in implementing the NSA, as it allows startup founders to participate directly in discussions about key policy decisions that affect Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

It said: “This move reflects a collective commitment to shaping the country’s digital future.

“It is anticipated that this development will enhance trust between the government and the digital innovation community, improve the feedback process on policies, and foster a more supportive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.”

As the Council begins its work, NITDA averred that the contributions of these newly-elected representatives would play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s startup space, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that innovation yields tangible economic and social impact across Nigeria.

Hajia Umar added that NITDA, through ONDI, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to building a thriving digital economy, nurturing startups, and fostering the type of collaboration that ensures innovation becomes a cornerstone of national development.”