The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has described the successful conclusion of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) as a milestone for Nigeria’s digital economy drive, underscoring its impact on research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Hosted in Abuja under the patronage of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the four-day conference convened global experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of electronic governance. According to NITDA, the event directly aligns with President Tinubu’s priority agenda of accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation.
Organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV), ICEGOV 2025 attracted participants from academia, government, development institutions, and the private sector, placing Nigeria at the forefront of global digital discourse.
A total of 151 scientific papers were submitted by 308 authors from 33 countries, with 68 percent of participants representing emerging economies. Nigeria recorded the highest number of contributors — 102 authors — followed by Brazil, India, Portugal, and Greece.
NITDA noted that this strong participation reflects its sustained investment in digital skills development, research funding, and ecosystem strengthening, which have elevated Nigeria’s profile in the global digital governance landscape.
Highlighting local excellence, the conference’s Best Paper Award in the Research category went to Robert Ifeonu of the Central Bank of Nigeria for his paper titled “Micro-Transformation Framework for Public Sector Innovation: Catalysing Resilient, Outcome-Driven Digital Governance.” NITDA said this recognition demonstrates Nigeria’s growing leadership in creating home-grown digital governance models capable of driving socio-economic growth.
In her closing remarks, Professor Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, commended NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, for his vision and leadership in bringing ICEGOV to Abuja. She also acknowledged NITDA’s role in mobilising partnerships and sponsorships that elevated the event’s global relevance and strengthened Africa’s standing in digital governance research.
NITDA further highlighted the broader economic and strategic benefits of hosting the conference, including enhanced global visibility, strengthened institutional partnerships, and opportunities for new research collaborations and capacity-building initiatives.
According to the Agency, insights generated from ICEGOV 2025 will advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, boost public sector efficiency, and support the Federal Government’s push for economic diversification through digitalisation and industrialisation.
As delegates departed Abuja, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum, ensuring that Nigeria not only participates in global digital governance conversations but also plays a leading role in shaping them.
