Nigeria has taken a front-row position in shaping the global digital future with the unveiling of a comprehensive strategy aimed at localising the commitments of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20).
The multi-pronged roadmap, designed to accelerate national digital transformation, prioritises infrastructure development, transparent internet governance and strengthened cybersecurity through broad stakeholder collaboration.
The strategy was unveiled in New York at a Nigerian high-level side event titled *“Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,”* reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to play a leading role in global digital cooperation.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei, said Nigeria’s approach aligns with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.
He explained that the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development.
Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities. He also highlighted affordability and digital literacy gaps as key issues that must be addressed to achieve meaningful digital inclusion.
According to him, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of nationwide infrastructure deployment, given Nigeria’s vast geographical spread. He said the country has therefore adopted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, disclosing that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a nationwide fibre-optic project covering about 90,000 kilometres.
The NITDA boss also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years. The revised plan, he said, will focus on expanding broadband penetration to drive digital access and economic growth.
On internet governance, Inuwa said Nigeria remains an active participant in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and has successfully hosted its national IGF, which operates on a multi-stakeholder model involving government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community.
Cybersecurity, he noted, remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s digital agenda. He cited the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval, aimed at safeguarding users and critical digital infrastructure.
Inuwa further stressed Nigeria’s ambition to lead digital cooperation efforts across Africa, emphasising the importance of coordinated national data collection to track progress and accurately present Africa’s digital development on the global stage.
He said sustained engagement and follow-up actions from the WSIS+20 review would enhance digital cooperation among African countries and ensure that global commitments translate into tangible national and regional outcomes.
Stakeholders at the event commended Nigeria’s growing influence in the digital space, acknowledging its role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Earlier, Ms. Jennifer Chung, Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based delegation and demonstrating commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.
Chung underscored the growing need for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms, noting that platforms such as national and regional IGF initiatives and youth-led forums are critical for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
She described the WSIS+20 review as a vital step toward effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South.
Drawing parallels with the Asia-Pacific region, Chung noted that challenges around affordable and meaningful connectivity remain widespread, stressing that expanding broadband access and reducing costs are essential to closing digital divides.
She also highlighted the importance of enabling active citizen participation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and future innovations, including quantum technologies, to ensure inclusive digital transformation.
Chung concluded by calling for sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to translate the WSIS vision from global commitments into local action.
