How lack of a policy framework is hindering IT penetration

The world is hurtling into a digital future, yet Nigeria finds itself lagging behind, unable to fully harness the transformative power of information technology. Despite being home to Africa’s largest ICT market and a significant contributor to the continent’s GDP, Nigeria’s digital growth remains stunted by the absence of a clear, unified policy framework. The result? A nation brimming with potential, yet shackled by fragmentation, inefficiency, and missed opportunities.

A nation falling behind

Digit Managing partner Oswald Guobadia and Alitheia Capital CEO Yawande Adewusi emphasised the need for Nigeria to adopt a cohesive One Nigeria Data Strategy, stating that the country’s lack of a structured IT policy hinders its digital economy’s growth.

Inaction in Nigeria leads to stagnation and economic loss, as it engages in self-defeating competition among agencies and industries, hindering innovation due to bureaucratic red tape and inconsistent policies, while other nations with structured IT policies and data strategies continue to advance.

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With over 103 million internet users, Nigeria should be a leader in Africa’s digital revolution. The fintech sector alone has attracted billions in investment. Yet, without a robust regulatory framework and data strategy, these gains remain precarious. Without decisive action, Nigeria risks becoming a mere consumer of foreign technology rather than an architect of its digital destiny.

A question of sovereignty

The issue of data sovereignty is not just economic but also a matter of sovereignty. Countries with strategic data control can dictate economic engagement, while those without a data governance framework become pawns in a game. Nigeria remains vulnerable to external dominance.

Consider the stark alternatives:

Continued fragmentation: Nigeria’s lack of a centralised digital strategy will hinder economic growth and regional integration, unlike the European Union’s seamless digital ecosystem, where regulations are harmonised across member states.

Stifled innovation: The absence of standardised data frameworks and regulatory alignment hinders innovation, causing inconsistent policies for startups and businesses, hindering the scaling of transformative digital solutions beyond individual states or industries.

Perpetual consumer status: Nigeria’s lack of a clear IT policy could lead to reliance on foreign technology and a failure to develop sustainable technological solutions.

A call to action

The urgency is undeniable. The digital revolution is not a distant future—it is happening now. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture: we can either seize control of our digital narrative or resign ourselves to a future of technological dependency.

The solution is clear: a decisive, unified One Nigeria Data Strategy. This is not just a bureaucratic policy document; it is a blueprint for digital sovereignty. It requires governments, businesses, and citizens to collaborate in creating a digital ecosystem that reflects Nigeria’s unique strengths and aspirations.

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This means establishing clear regulations for data ownership, standardising digital policies across sectors, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. It means investing in digital infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to technology, and building capacity for a new generation of IT professionals who can drive Nigeria’s digital future.

The time for fragmented efforts is over. The time for unity is now. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Nigeria must rise as a formidable force in the global digital economy, shaping its own destiny rather than being shaped by others. The question remains: will we act now, or will we continue to watch as the digital revolution passes us by?