*Dr. 鈥橞osun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasises the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 serves as a veritable national platform for 鈥榙ialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies鈥� to shape the West African country鈥檚 digital future

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

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

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. 鈥橞osun 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鈥檚 digital transformation goals, described the annual forum as more than a conventional technology conference.

Digital Lending: FCCPC announces January 5 deadline for full compliance in Nigeria

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

He stated: 鈥淚t 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.

鈥淭his 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.鈥�

Insight into Nigeria Digital Economy history, by Tijani

In his address, Dr. Tijani also took the audience on a memory lane through Nigeria鈥檚 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 鈥渁 bold, transformative decision鈥� that changed the trajectory of the country鈥檚 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: 鈥淭hat decision marked the beginning of a new economy built on ideas and innovation.

鈥淭he introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions.鈥�

Contribution of digital economy to Nigeria鈥檚 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鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear demonstration of the sector鈥檚 growing importance as a driver of national growth and economic diversification.

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

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

He enthused: 鈥淭oday, 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.

鈥淭his innovation has produced five of Africa鈥檚 nine technology unicorns, companies each valued at over a billion dollars,鈥� 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鈥檚 digital and innovation landscape.

In respect of the far-reaching impact of technology and innovation on the economy, Tijani lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 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鈥檚 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: 鈥淒igital Nigeria 2025 is not about technology for its own sake. It鈥檚 about people, about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, can benefit from and contribute to our digital future.鈥�

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: 鈥淭his is the time to reflect, strategise, and act. The vision is clear, a nation built on prosperity, inclusion, and competitiveness, powered by innovation.鈥�