Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation and good governance at the 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2025, held at the Shehu Musa Yarádua Centre, Abuja.
The conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion”, brought together global stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and industry to discuss emerging trends in electronic governance.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, led Nigeria’s delegation alongside the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE.
In his keynote address, Dr Tijani emphasised the importance of balancing innovation, research, and regulation, stating that digital technologies must serve the public good and promote social inclusion.
“Nigeria stands at the intersection of innovation, youth, and digital transformation. Our responsibility is to ensure that innovation is guided by ethics, inclusivity, and the public interest,” he said.
Tijani introduced the “Source Balance Ratio”, a conceptual model for inclusive policymaking, and called for stronger ties between academia and government to support evidence-based policy.
Director-General Inuwa described ICEGOV 2025 as a milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance journey, highlighting initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Framework, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, and ongoing work on Digital Public Infrastructure.
“Digital transformation is not just about technology. It’s about improving how we serve our citizens. Governance must meet people where they are — online,” Inuwa said.
Keynote speaker Prof Tschilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, called for inclusive and ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing that AI must work for all people, including Africans.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack (represented by Mrs Fatima S.T. Mahmood); Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaibu Afolabi Salisu; and Chairman, House Committee on ICT, Hon Stanley Adedeji.
They commended Nigeria’s leadership in digital governance and called for sustained collaboration, capacity-building, and resilient infrastructure to support inclusive digital development across Africa.
