Nigeria unveils strategy to activate global WSIS+20 digital agenda in New York

*The National Information Technology Development Agency disclosed the digital roadmap recently unveiled in New York, United States, will accelerate Nigeria’s transformation by prioritising robust infrastructure, transparent Internet governance, and advanced cybersecurity through deep stakeholder collaboration

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Government has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to localise WSIS+20 commitments in New York, United States (US).

The government described the development as a bold move to spearhead the global digital transition in the West African country.

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ConsumerConnect reports the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) disclosed this roadmap accelerates national transformation by prioritising robust infrastructure, transparent internet governance, and advanced cybersecurity through deep stakeholder collaboration.

The Nigerian high-level side event in New York had the theme, “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action”.

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According to NITDA, the strategy cements the country’s position as a primary architect of the world’s digital future.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said Nigeria’s approach was deliberately aligned with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.

Represented on the occasion by Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NITDA, Inuwa explained the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.

The Director-General of the agency also identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation.

Inuwa further identified the persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities. Beyond infrastructure gaps, he highlighted affordability constraints and digital literacy deficits, stressing that addressing these issues remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion drive.

The Chief Executive of NITDA averred that the government alone could not shoulder the burden of nationwide digital infrastructure deployment, given Nigeria’s vast geographical spread.

He advocated the adoption of collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

He disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a major fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres nationwide to boost connectivity.

The Director-General revealed that the current National Broadband Plan, which has guided Broadband expansion in recent years, is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years.

According to him, the renewed plan would strategically target increased Broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.

On Nigeria’s participation in Internet Governance Forum

In connection with the Internet governance, Inuwa referenced Nigeria’s active participation in the Forum.

He noted that the country successfully hosted its annual national IGF.

Inuwa said the forum operated on a multi-stakeholder model that brings together government, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community to foster cooperation and informed policy dialogue.

Significance of Cybersecurity Act

Speaking on Cybersecurity, Inuwa asserted this remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts.

He equally affirmed the existing Cybersecurity Act, and ongoing efforts at strengthening the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval.

These measures, he said, are designed to mitigate risks associated with increased Internet use and to protect users and critical digital infrastructure.

The Director-General emphasised Nigeria’s ambition to play a leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement.

He underscored the importance of coordinated national data collection.

According to him, reliable, country-specific data is essential for tracking progress and presenting Africa’s digital development story on the global stage.

Inuwa restated that sustained engagement and follow-up actions arising from the WSIS+20 review would strengthen digital cooperation among African countries.

These, he noted, would also ensure that global digital commitments translate into tangible national and regional impact.

Stakeholders commended Nigeria’s efforts in the digital space, acknowledging the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Earlier, Ms. Jennifer Chung, Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), had commended Nigeria for convening a broad-based, multi-stakeholder delegation and for its commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes. Chung emphasised the growing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms.

Chung said that platforms, such as the annual IGF, National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs), and youth-led forums are vital for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

She, therefore, described the WSIS+20 review as a critical step toward effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South. According to her, these measures are essential to achieving WSIS targets and ensuring that no region is left behind.

Drawing parallels with the Asia-Pacific region, Chung noted that challenges around affordable and meaningful connectivity remain widespread across developing economies.

She emphasised that expanding Broadband penetration and reducing the cost of access are crucial to closing digital divides in Africa, Asia-Pacific and other parts of the Global South.

The Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board highlighted the need to enable active citizen participation in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and future innovations, such as quantum technologies.

She further explained that inclusive digital access is key to maximising the benefits of digital transformation.

Reflecting on the WSIS+20 review process, Chung praised the innovative and inclusive approach adopted through the informal multi-stakeholder sounding board.

Chung described it as one of the first of its kind in global digital governance. She urged sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to carry the WSIS vision from global commitments to local action.

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