Bukola Afeni
Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to localise WSIS+20 commitments aimed to spearhead the global digital transition.
The move was unveiled in New York at the Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action.”
The strategy cements Nigeria’s position as a primary architect of the world’s digital future.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said Nigeria’s approach is deliberately aligned with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.
He added that the roadmap accelerates national transformation by prioritizing robust infrastructure, transparent internet governance, and advanced cyber security through deep stakeholder collaboration.
Inuwa, was represented by the Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei.
He said the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes.
“We will ensure that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.”
Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities.
Beyond infrastructure gaps, he highlighted affordability constraints and digital literacy deficits, stressing that addressing these issues remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion drive.
He explained that government alone cannot shoulder the burden of nationwide digital infrastructure deployment, given Nigeria’s vast geographical spread, hence the adoption of collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
He disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a major fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres nationwide to boost connectivity.
The NITDA DG also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan, which has guided broadband expansion in recent years, is near completion,with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years.
“The renewed plan will strategically target increased broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.”
While speaking on internet governance, Inuwa referenced Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
While noting that the country successfully hosted its annual national IGF.
“The forum operates on a multi-stakeholder model that brings together government, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community to foster cooperation and informed policy dialogue.”
He added that cyber security remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts.
He cited the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval.
“The measures are designed to mitigate risks associated with increased internet use and to protect users and critical digital infrastructure”, he said.
Inuwa further stressed Nigeria’s ambition to play leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement.
He underscored the importance of coordinated national data collection, noting that reliable, country-specific data is essential for tracking progress and presenting Africa’s digital development story on the global stage.
He concluded that sustained engagement and follow-up actions arising from the WSIS+20 review would strengthen digital cooperation among African countries and ensure that global digital commitments translate into tangible national and regional impact.
Stakeholders commended Nigeria’s efforts in the digital space, acknowledging the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
The Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), Jeniffer Chung praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based, multi-stakeholder delegation and for its commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.
She stressed the growing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms. “Platforms such as the annual IGF, National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs), and youth-led forums are vital for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063”, he said.
According to her, expanding broadband penetration, reducing the cost of access, and enabling in.clusive participation in emerging technologies are crucial to closing digital divides and maximizing the benefits of digital transformation in the Global South.
