Nigeria’s journey towards a fully digital economy requires collective action and deliberate collaboration. This is the view of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the recently concluded Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abuja, as he called on stakeholders across all sectors to unite in building a digital future that is not only competitive but also inclusive and sustainable.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s tech evolution, the Minister recalled the landmark decision to liberalize the telecoms sector in 1999, an act he described as the beginning of a new era. Back then, only a few Nigerians had access to phones, and international calls meant queuing at call centres. “That single policy reform gave birth to a new economy built on innovation,” he said. “It redefined how Nigerians live, work and connect with the world.”
Today, that digital revolution continues to ripple across industries, contributing roughly 18% to the national GDP and placing Nigeria at the heart of Africa’s technology ecosystem. Dr. Bosun Tijani proudly noted that the country now hosts some of the continent’s most advanced digital payment systems and is home to five of Africa’s nine tech unicorns, each valued at over a billion dollars.
He applauded the organizers of the conference while noting that it now represents more than technology. “It is about people, about what digital means to our past, our present, and the future we are working to create together,” he said.
He credited the achievements in the telecom industry to visionary policies and a government that recognizes the power of innovation. Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said technology has been rightly positioned as a tool for economic growth, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
But for Dr. Bosun Tijani, the digital dream goes beyond access to technology. It’s about cultivating a digital mindset—one that turns citizens into creators, not just consumers. “Digital Nigeria 2025 is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background, can actively participate in and benefit from the digital revolution,” he stated.
The conference brought together innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Tijani urged participants to transform dialogue into tangible outcomes. “Now is the time to reflect, plan, and take action,” he said passionately. “Our vision is clear: a Nigeria driven by innovation, inclusion, and shared prosperity.”
