NITDA inaugurates startup consultative forum, assures implementation of NSA
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF), reaffirming its commitment to the inclusive implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act (NSA) enacted in 2022.
The SCF is designed to shape the future of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem by bringing together labelled startups, verified Entrepreneurship Support Organisations, angel investors, and venture capitalists.
Participants are expected to engage in strategic dialogue and drive innovation within the sector, in line with the provisions of the NSA.
NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said the establishment of the forum signified the government’s dedication to placing innovation at the centre of national development.
Inuwa was represented by Mr Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of the Regulation and Compliance Department.
He said, “The NSA of 2022 was never meant to be just another law on paper. It represents a new social compact, where startups are not merely participants but core architects of our economic future.
“This forum will ensure that policy does not merely catch up with innovation but evolves alongside it, progressively enhancing the digital economic future of our country.”
Inuwa noted that over the past eight months, NITDA had carried out a series of awareness campaigns across the country to lay the groundwork for the forum.
He stressed that NITDA was committed to a model of governance built on dialogue, data, and inclusion, rather than mere consultations after decisions had been made.
According to him, the digital economy has evolved from a supporting role to a strategic driver of job creation, global competitiveness, and youth empowerment.
“The forum will play a critical role in identifying regulatory roadblocks, shaping better investment pathways, mapping infrastructure gaps, and pinpointing real opportunities for partnerships across sectors.
“It will also serve as a radar to detect changes within the ecosystem and a compass to guide us through complexities with clarity and honesty,” he added.
Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s readiness to engage, listen, and respond with real-time outcomes to foster the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Mr Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Department, who represented the D-G, said the forum would serve as a vital platform for collaboration, information exchange, policy dialogue, and strategic action among stakeholders.
“We remain committed to creating an environment where innovation can flourish,” Olawunmi said.
He urged participants to embrace their responsibility to translate ideas into tangible policies and impactful outcomes.
Ms Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), a NITDA subsidiary, highlighted the critical role startups play as drivers of employment, innovation, and solutions in any economy.
She pointed out that the SCF’s pillars of collaboration included funding and investment, policy regulation, innovation, and support for global competitiveness.
“The forum serves as a platform where these pillars can be strengthened, ensuring that the ecosystem functions cohesively.
“It is set up to solve challenges within the ecosystem by leveraging the NSA, with a feedback mechanism to ensure that discussions lead to implementation,” Fabunmi explained.
She pledged ONDI’s full support to SCF members and encouraged them to partner with the government in building a strong and resilient technology ecosystem.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NITDA serves as the secretariat for the implementation of the NSA, with the establishment of the SCF mandated under Section 12 of the Act.
The SCF provides a platform for sharing information about startups eligible for labelling, updates on available incentives, highlighting local capabilities, and nominating representatives to the National Startup Council, among other objectives.
Forum membership comprises labelled startups, venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, and two civil society organisations focused on advancing technology and innovation.
The Nigerian Startup Act, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 19, 2022, aims to create a legal framework for startups in Nigeria.
It establishes the National Startup Council, fosters an enabling environment for tech-enabled businesses, and introduces mechanisms for the labelling and certification of eligible startups.
Certified startups are granted access to incentives, seed funding, regulatory support, and other benefits under the Act. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
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