The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum, a key initiative aimed at fast-tracking the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) and strengthening the nation’s tech startup landscape.
According to the agency, the move is aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the event on behalf of NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, described the forum as more than a routine stakeholder engagement.
He said, “It is a commitment to building a stronger tech ecosystem through collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven governance, marking a new phase in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act”.
He also emphasized that the Act is not just legislative—it’s developmental. According to him, “Startups are not fringe players. They are central to Nigeria’s economic future,” he stated.
For policies to be effective, they must reflect diversity and adaptability, Inuwa stressed. “Inclusion is not charity. It is a strategy,” he said, advocating for balanced representation across gender, geography, and sectors.
Inuwa further highlighted the Consultative Forum’s role as a dynamic feedback mechanism. It will identify regulatory gaps, inform policy refinement, and foster a startup-friendly environment that aligns with the goals of the NSA.
Under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and guidance from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA has continued to support startups through initiatives such as the Startup Portal, digital skills training, and deployment of tech infrastructure across Nigeria.
