Tech executives have called for urgent, coordinated action to empower young Nigerians and unlock the country’s innovation potential, warning that continued inaction could widen the digital divide and accelerate the brain drain.
Speaking at the recent Lagos Future Conference 2025, themed ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth’, the executives emphasised that Nigeria’s digital transformation must be inclusive, policy-backed, and rooted in local talent.
President of DigiVation Network and convener of the conference, Bayero Agabi, said Nigeria’s progress depends on how well it balances rapid technological advancement with cyber responsibility and the protection of national values.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new era, we recognise the transformative power of technology, entrepreneurship, and human ingenuity,” Agabi said.
“It is our responsibility to harness these forces to drive sustainable development, create opportunities, and improve the lives of our citizens.”
He also underscored the importance of what he termed “online cyber responsibility”, calling for greater respect for intellectual property rights, national security, and cultural norms in the digital space.
Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Aristotle Onumo, described Nigeria’s youth population as the country’s greatest asset.
“Our greatest resource is no longer underground. It is in classrooms, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs,” Onumo said, noting that over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 35.
He added that Nigerian startups raised over $1.2bn in venture capital funding in 2024, reinforcing the country’s position as Africa’s leading tech ecosystem.
However, concerns about digital inequality dominated discussions. Founder of Precise Financial Systems, Yele Okeremi, represented by the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Babajide Alaka, noted that internet access remains concentrated in just three cities, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
“Nearly half of Nigeria’s internet access is restricted to these urban centres. Nigeria’s vast rural and peri-urban regions are still largely digitally disconnected. Bridging this divide is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic imperative,” Alaka said. “Stop admiring problems; start engineering solutions.”
Co-founder of Infratel Africa, Tola Yusuf, noted that 23 per cent of Nigerians remain completely unconnected, more than the population of some countries.
He linked the lack of digital infrastructure to the rising “japa syndrome”, the mass emigration of young Nigerian tech professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
“Human beings will always migrate towards a better life. If Nigeria wants to retain its talent, it must expand its digital frontiers,” Yusuf said.
Chairman of Teledom Group, Emmanuel Ekuwem, criticised the poor implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, especially the lack of financial commitment from the government.
“What part of our GDP or what percentage of our revenue is actually allocated to finance the contents of the Startup Act?” Ekuwem asked. “Startups cannot thrive where resources are lacking.”
Director-General/Chief Executive of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by Prince Omobalufon, described the National Identification Number as a critical tool for economic inclusion.
She said NIMC’s partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund will help increase access to education and job opportunities through its entrepreneurship system.
Managing Director/Chief Executive of Galaxy Backbone, Ibrahim Adeyanju, represented by Victor Imonieroh, said the agency had expanded its high-speed fibre optic network to over 5,000 kilometres across nearly 30 states.
He added that Galaxy Backbone is partnering with NIGCOMSAT to bring internet connectivity to all 774 local government areas, with six communities already online.
Deputy National President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Charles Onyeukwu, urged young people to join professional networks like the NCS and contribute actively to Nigeria’s digital development.
