Minister urges collaboration for inclusive, globally competitive Nigeria Digital Economy

*Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasises the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 serves as a veritable national platform for ‘dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies’ to shape the West African country’s digital future

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government is committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), stated this in his keynote address at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

Tijani, who urged stakeholders across sectors of the economy to work together to achieve Nigeria’s digital transformation goals, described the annual forum as more than a conventional technology conference.

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The Minister emphasised that Digital Nigeria Conference serves as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies that will shape the country’s future in the digital era.

He stated: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Digital Nigeria 2025, something I consider to be a dialogue, but also collaboration and action towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy for our nation.

“This event reminds us of what digital truly means for our past as a people, our present reality, and the future we are striving to build.”

Insight into Nigeria Digital Economy history, by Tijani

In his address, Dr. Tijani also took the audience on a memory lane through Nigeria’s digital economy history.

He recalled the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1999, describing the era as was “a bold, transformative decision” that changed the trajectory of the country’s economy.

He equally noted that prior to the telecoms policy reform, only a handful of Nigerian families had access to telephones, and making international calls required visiting special centres and waiting in long queues.

The Minister said: “That decision marked the beginning of a new economy built on ideas and innovation.

“The introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions.”

Contribution of digital economy to Nigeria’s GDP

The ripple effect of that single reform by the Obasanjo administration continues to be felt across sectors, stated Dr. Tijani.

Tijani explained the Nigeria Digital Economy now contributes about 18 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear demonstration of the sector’s growing importance as a driver of national growth and economic diversification.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s global leadership in Financial Technology (FinTech) innovation.

The Minister as well noted Nigeria’s advanced digital payment systems and thriving startup ecosystem.

He enthused: “Today, Nigeria boasts one of the most efficient and responsive payment systems in the world. Transactions that take hours or even days elsewhere are completed instantly here.

“This innovation has produced five of Africa’s nine technology unicorns, companies each valued at over a billion dollars,” Tijani stated.

Such achievements, he stated, underscore the power of visionary leadership and enabling policies, which have positioned Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s digital and innovation landscape.

In respect of the far-reaching impact of technology and innovation on the economy, Tijani lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for embedding technology and innovation as key pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in driving inclusivity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

He stressed that the Federal Government’s focus is not only on technology adoption but also on creating a digital culture that empowers Nigerians to become producers, not just consumers of technology.

The Minister asserted: “Digital Nigeria 2025 is not about technology for its own sake. It’s about people, about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, can benefit from and contribute to our digital future.”

He, therefore, urged participants to take the opportunity of the three-day conference, in Abuja, to network, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships that would translate discussions into real solutions.

Tijani averred: “This is the time to reflect, strategise, and act. The vision is clear, a nation built on prosperity, inclusion, and competitiveness, powered by innovation.”

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