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Nigeria is increasing its initiatives to enhance its national software infrastructure and digital governance system as part of a larger strategy to protect data independence and develop local technological expertise.

The program aims to create rigorous regulatory frameworks that will promote digital connectivity while maintaining that essential national infrastructure stays within local authority.

While meeting with Ericsson’s management at GITEX Africa in Morocco, Inuwa stated that Nigeria’s digital strategy is centered on protecting national interests and achieving lasting technological self-reliance, rather than taking sides in global conflicts.

We are developing our national software infrastructure. We are creating stringent regulatory policies that will assist us in building capabilities for digital software integration,” he stated. “For me, it is not about politics. It is not related to geo-tech politics. It is not about prohibiting China. It is about how we, as a nation, maintain control and can influence our digital future.

He emphasized that Nigeria is not adopting an exclusive stance with global technology partners, but instead aiming for equitable cooperation that fosters value generation inside the nation.

“We are not claiming we are prohibiting hyperscalers from arriving. We encourage them to come, collaborate with local partners, generate value in Africa, and allow us to benefit from that value here,” he mentioned.

The head of NITDA compared current developments to global regulatory patterns, citing instruments like the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, and Data Governance Act as instances of areas establishing digital autonomy via organized policy frameworks.

He mentioned that Nigeria’s strategy corresponds with the worldwide trend of regarding digital infrastructure as essential national infrastructure, a perspective backed by current executive orders within the nation.

We already have an executive order designating all digital infrastructure as a national critical asset,” he explained. “However, creating a completely self-reliant digital system requires time. Even the EU did not accomplish this instantly.

A major focus of the policy approach, he stated, is to safeguard data created inside Nigeria and to foster local expertise and digital knowledge instead of sending them abroad.

“We aim to maintain the intelligence within our nation. We wish to contribute to generating value, rather than merely receiving technology,” he stated.

He also pointed out issues regarding historical disparities in global industrial growth, mentioning that Africa has frequently provided raw materials, labor, and data without reaping the advantages of advanced industries.

“We do not wish to see another instance of past industrial revolutions where Africa was left out. This time, the focus is on generating value and developing our own digital solutions,” he added.

Conversations are also taking place regarding data ownership models, especially within new technologies and industrial systems, where the issue of who manages data produced by machines continues to be crucial for upcoming regulations.

The administration is anticipated to present more defined policy guidance in the upcoming months as part of its overall national digital transformation strategy.

From the industry perspective, Ericsson reemphasized its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. Amos Haddebe, Ericsson’s Director for Government and Policy Advocacy in Africa, stated that the company has been active in Nigeria for more than 50 years, aiding the nation’s telecom development from 2G to 5G.

He pointed out that Ericsson remains actively engaged with operators like MTN Group, as part of its dedication to promoting Nigeria’s digital transformation initiative.

Haddebe highlighted four main components of an agreement with the Nigerian government, signed in October 2024, such as the creation of a joint innovation center, a national coding competition, digital training initiatives, and the sharing of effective strategies.

He additionally stated that the current national hackathon, initiated under the oversight of the Vice President, has already begun and will be combined with wider innovation efforts.

Regarding wider industry issues, Haddebe cautioned about increasing competition within Africa’s telecommunications sector and called on governments to view ICT infrastructure as a matter of national security. He promoted a varied vendor environment to ensure stability and protect essential systems.

The conversations emphasize Nigeria’s growing emphasis on digital independence, collaborative alliances, and the creation of a safe and robust digital market.