The Lagos Future Conference 2025, themed ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth,’ concluded last week with a resounding call for both online cyber responsibility and a renewed focus on grassroots innovation to truly unlock Nigeria’s digital potential.
Stakeholders from government, industry, and academia emphasized the critical role of youth, while also highlighting persistent challenges in infrastructure and policy implementation.
Dr. Bayero Agabi, President of DigiVation Network and convener of the conference, set the tone in his welcome address, stressing the importance of “Online Cyber Responsibility” to protect intellectual property rights and national values.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new era, we recognize the transformative power of technology, entrepreneurship, and human ingenuity. It is our responsibility to harness these forces to drive sustainable development, create opportunities and improve the lives of our citizens,” he remarked.
He further emphasized the harmonious nexus between online cyber responsibility and national values, advocating for respecting cultural norms, protecting national security, promoting digital citizenship and upholding intellectual property rights.
Meanwhile, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) echoed the sentiment of youth empowerment. Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, speaking through Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management & Partnerships, asserted that Nigeria’s greatest asset is not under the ground, but in classrooms, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs.
He highlighted the nation’s youthful demographic, with over 70% of the population under 35, as an incredible demographic dividend capable of driving unprecedented economic growth.
The DG celebrated the success of Nigerian startups, which attracted over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, cementing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading tech ecosystem.
However, the path to a truly inclusive digital economy remains challenging. Dr. Yele Okeremi, founder of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), highlighted a significant digital divide. Represented by Mr. Babajide Alaka, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Dr. Okeremi pointed out that nearly half of Nigeria’s internet access is concentrated in just three cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
“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. “Stop admiring problems; start engineering solutions,” he urged.
Adding to the concerns about equitable access, Dr. Tola Yusuf, co-founder of Infratel Africa, highlighted the 23% of Nigeria that are totally unconnected, a population larger than some entire countries. He stressed the urgent need for deliberate investments and enabling policies to connect these underserved areas, which he believes is crucial to curbing the “japa syndrome” – the mass exodus of Nigerian tech talent.
“Human beings will find a way to navigate to where life gives you the best. Thus, there is a need for Nigeria to expand its frontiers to retain young talent,” he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chairman of Teledom Group, lamented a serious disconnect between the IT industry and the government, particularly concerning the financing of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). “The fact is what part of our GDP or what percentage of our accumulated revenue annually is allocated to finance the content of the startup act?” he questioned, stressing that it cannot fire-up the startups where there are no resources for them to become entrepreneurs. He urged agencies to collaborate with state and local governments to identify and nurture grassroots talent.
On a positive note, Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), represented by Prince Ajibade Ayeni Omobalufon, highlighted the National Identification Number (NIN) as a key tool for “opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to future growth and development.
She noted NIMC’s partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in providing access to education loans and job creation opportunities through the NIMC Entrepreneurship System.
Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, represented by Victor Imonieroh, outlined significant strides in digital infrastructure. He announced the expansion of their high-speed fiber optic network to over 5,000 kilometers, reaching nearly 30 states. Furthermore, Galaxy Backbone is partnering with NIGCOMSAT to bring connectivity to all 774 local government areas, with six communities already online.
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), through its Deputy National President Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, called for more empowerment for young people to combat the ‘japa syndrome’ and urged them to enroll in NCS membership schemes, emphasizing collective effort in providing meaningful avenues for youth expression.
The Lagos Future Conference concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing that while significant progress has been made in Nigeria’s digital journey, a concerted and inclusive approach is vital to harness the full potential of its youth, innovation, and technology for national economic growth.
