NITDA highlights digital infrastructure as catalyst for startup investments, growth

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, explains digital transformation encompasses cloud computing systems, digital identity frameworks, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity architecture, and emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies

Isola Moses| ConsumerConnect

A strong and reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to attracting investments, boosting competitiveness, and achieving sustainable growth within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reaffirmed this at the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual engagement with the theme: “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?”

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In his address on the occasion, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, emphasised that investors are increasingly drawn to startups operating in environments supported by dependable digital infrastructure and clear, predictable policy frameworks.

Represented at the event by Muhammad Aminu, Special Assistant to the NITDA Director-General on Digital Transformation, Inuwa explained that digital infrastructure goes far beyond basic Internet access.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITDA said digital transformation encompasses cloud computing systems, digital identity frameworks, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity architecture, and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

He also stated: “These foundational systems significantly lower operational barriers for startups, enabling founders to focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and scaling, rather than having to build essential infrastructure independently.”

In regard to investments, Inuwa noted that robust digital infrastructure reduces uncertainty, lowers operational risk, enhances scalability, and considerably cuts the cost of expansion.

It equally enables tech startups to become more attractive to both local and international investors, said he.

The Director-General further highlighted disclosed that several ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

These, Inuwa said, included sovereign cloud projects, data interoperability frameworks, cloud adoption policies, cybersecurity cum data governance reforms, as well as the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.

Besides, the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency affirmed that regulatory clarity and consistency in policy direction have remained critical in attracting sustained investments into the technology sector in the West African country.

According to NITDA, priority is given to human capital development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

Inuwa, therefore, described the 3MTT as skilled manpower that are vital component of digital infrastructure.

The NITDA Chief averred that a strong, well‑structured digital infrastructure framework not only lowers the cost of innovation but also boosts investor confidence, and supports the long‑term growth and expansion of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

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