The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, says it will begin its Startup Consultative Forum on Monday, aimed at nominating members for a Startup Council to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Mrs Umar, the inaugural consultative forum represents a major milestone in deepening stakeholder engagement within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving startup landscape.
“The forum will serve as an interactive platform for startup founders, innovators, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries to contribute meaningfully to national policies that foster growth, attract investment, and drive digital innovation,” she said.
She added that the initiative, convened under the framework of the Nigeria Startup Act, NSA, reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning startups as vital contributors to building an innovation-friendly environment.
Mrs Umar further explained that the forum would feature collaborative dialogue, with a key focus on nominating and selecting representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Startup Council).
”It will serve as the highest advisory body for the nation’s startup ecosystem.
“Decisions from this forum will form the foundation for inclusive policy development and amplify the voices of Nigeria’s tech and innovation community.
“NITDA invites all labelled startups, verified entrepreneurial and innovation support organisations, angel investors, venture capitalists, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the forum and take part in the nomination and voting process.
“Join us in shaping the future of digital innovation in Nigeria,” she said.
Mrs Umar called on stakeholders to work with NITDA in building a thriving startup ecosystem that supported and celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian startups.
She encouraged the public to reach out to the agency via email at info@nitda.gov.ng, visit the website at https://nitda.gov.ng, or connect on social media via @nitdanigeria.
The NSA was signed into law on Oct. 19, 2022, to create a legal and institutional framework for the development of startups in Nigeria.
The Act provides for the establishment of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, aimed at creating an enabling environment for technology-driven startups.
It also introduces incentives and programmes such as a startup seed fund and streamlined registration processes. Implementation of the law is being led by NITDA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
