The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on international technology companies to deepen investments in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, stressing that the country’s drive for digital sovereignty is aimed at building local capacity rather than shutting out foreign investors.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made the call while receiving a delegation of American business and technology stakeholders led by the President of the U.S.-Africa Business Centre, Kendra Gaither, at the agency’s headquarters.
The engagement focused on expanding Nigeria–United States collaboration in digital transformation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data governance and technology investment, with representatives of Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce participating.
Inuwa explained that Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda was driven by two fundamental priorities: guaranteeing citizens access to essential digital services and enabling them to participate meaningfully in value creation across the digital economy.
“Our policy intent is just about two things. First, to make sure our citizens have basic access, no matter what. What I mean by no matter what means we should have a capacity for digital self-determination,” he said.
He said the agency’s sovereign cloud initiative was designed to strengthen national control over critical digital infrastructure, improve resilience against disruptions, mitigate risks and provide flexibility in the adoption of technology solutions.
The NITDA chief clarified that digital sovereignty should not be viewed as a policy of exclusion but as an opportunity for international technology companies to partner with Nigeria in developing infrastructure and delivering sustainable digital solutions.
“It’s not about politics. It’s not about locking our doors against anybody, but it’s about inviting you to come and build with us,” the DG noted.
He stressed that investments in local data centres and cloud infrastructure would stimulate domestic enterprise, support innovation, create economic opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a technology hub for West and Central Africa.
Inuwa disclosed that the Federal Government had invested more than ₦4.5 trillion in information technology between June 2023 and June 2026, arguing that appropriate infrastructure and supportive policy frameworks could help direct relevant government technology services towards locally hosted sovereign cloud solutions.
He said such investments would enable Nigeria to retain more economic value within its digital ecosystem while providing international technology companies with opportunities to participate in the country’s expanding market.
Addressing concerns about data localisation and regulatory compliance, particularly within the financial technology sector, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA was collaborating with relevant regulators, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to develop an assurance framework.
The framework, he explained, would clarify technical requirements, facilitate compliance and encourage investments in local digital infrastructure.
He also emphasised that digital policies must preserve competition and allow organisations to adopt the technology solutions best suited to their operational needs.
“We need that portability. If Google has better services, I should be able to move my services from Microsoft to Google or AWS.”
According to him, flexibility and interoperability are essential to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital ecosystem remains competitive, while businesses and government institutions retain the freedom to move between service providers when necessary.
Inuwa further highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in developing practical and effective digital policies, recalling NITDA’s collaboration with major technology companies, local providers and other stakeholders in shaping Nigeria’s cloud-first policy.
He urged members of the delegation to maintain engagement with the agency and identify practical ways to align their investments and technology solutions with Nigeria’s digital development priorities.
Responding to a proposal by Cavista Holdings on collaboration in digital transformation, workforce development and employment-oriented skills programmes, the NITDA director-general invited the company to formally submit its proposal for consideration by the relevant team within the agency.
Earlier, Kendra Gaither reaffirmed the American business community’s interest in strengthening commercial relations with Nigeria, identifying digital transformation, regulatory clarity and investment predictability as essential to expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
She described Nigeria as a significant player in Africa’s information technology and digital economy landscape, noting that the country’s policy decisions have implications for businesses operating across West Africa and the wider continent.
Gaither said the delegation sought constructive engagement with NITDA to gain a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s evolving digital regulatory environment and explore practical ways to advance shared economic and innovation objectives.
She maintained that a secure, competitive and predictable regulatory environment would benefit Nigerian businesses, American companies and other international investors by providing greater certainty around compliance and long-term investment decisions.
The U.S.-Africa Business Centre president also raised concerns about overlapping regulatory responsibilities and areas requiring further clarification, particularly in cloud computing, data governance and financial services.
She stressed, however, that American companies were willing to comply with Nigeria’s regulatory requirements while continuing to expand their operations and contribute to the country’s digital economy.
Gaither acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence in digital policy and trade discussions across Africa, expressing the Chamber’s readiness to draw on international experience and facilitate further engagement between NITDA and its member companies.
She said sustained dialogue between regulators and businesses would help address uncertainties, strengthen investor confidence and create opportunities for partnerships that support Nigeria’s digital transformation while advancing the commercial interests of American companies.
The delegation comprised representatives of technology, financial services and investment organisations, including Microsoft and Citi, alongside members of the American Business Council and the U.S. Embassy.
