Nigeria targets digital sovereignty through AI and infrastructure investments

At the GITEX Nigeria 2026 exhibition in Lagos, government officials and industry leaders outlined a roadmap for the country to establish digital sovereignty through strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI), data infrastructure, and local talent development.

Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that Nigeria is prioritising policies regarding data, cloud, operational, and AI sovereignty. This approach is intended to ensure the country develops and owns the digital solutions it uses, rather than remaining a passive consumer of foreign technology.

Inuwa noted that these efforts align with the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy. Key initiatives include the implementation of the Startup Act, e-invoicing systems, and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, which aims to integrate digital literacy and emerging technology skills into the national education system.

Lagos as a Digital Gateway

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Kadir Obafemi Hamzat made a case for the state as Africa’s primary destination for technology investment. He emphasised that Lagos is positioning itself as a critical landing point for global digital infrastructure.

Hamzat reported that Lagos has already deployed 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure and is working towards a 6,000-kilometre unified network under an open-access model. This expansion is designed to reduce costs for operators and accelerate connectivity across the state.

To address energy constraints, the Deputy Governor highlighted structural reforms, including the Lagos State Electricity Law and the establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee power generation, distribution, and metering.

AI and Startup Ecosystem Growth

Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer of GITEX, noted that Lagos currently ranks as the highest-rated startup ecosystem in Africa and holds the top position on the continent for AI activity and funding.

While acknowledging this momentum, LohMirmand stressed that the next challenge for Nigerian tech companies is translating innovation into globally competitive businesses, exports, and jobs. She urged international firms to move beyond merely selling products into the Nigerian market and instead establish engineering hubs, research facilities, and regional headquarters within the state.