When people talk about Nigeria’s digital future, one acronym keeps popping up: NDEPS. It’s short for the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and it’s basically Nigeria’s master plan for using technology to drive growth, jobs, and everyday convenience. At the heart of this strategy are the NDEPS Pillars in Nigeria – a structured roadmap guiding the country’s digital transformation.
This article builds on our earlier piece, Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Tracking NDEPS Progress to 2025 and Beyond, and breaks things down in plain, practical language. The NDEPS Pillars in Nigeria form the foundation of this strategy, and understanding what each one means can help you figure out where the opportunities lie for you or your business.
1. Developmental Regulation
What’s it about? Creating smart rules that help, not hinder, innovation.
Quick Example: CBN’s sandbox allows fintechs like Flutterwave to test cross-border payment solutions under supervision.
Why it matters:
- For individuals: Safer digital experiences
- For startups: Less red tape, more room to experiment
- For businesses: Easier compliance and fewer regulatory headaches
2. Digital Literacy and Skills
What’s it about? Helping Nigerians develop the digital skills needed for today’s (and tomorrow’s) jobs.
Quick Example: Google and DSN’s AI skills grant is helping thousands build careers in tech.
Contextual Data: Nigeria’s current digital literacy rate is around 42% (NBS, 2023). The NDEPS aims to bridge this gap by training 5 million Nigerians and helping build a globally competitive workforce.
Why it matters:
- For job seekers: Opens up access to remote jobs and new industries
- For entrepreneurs: More skilled hands to help build your startup
- For companies: Tap into certified digital talent locally
3. Solid Infrastructure
What’s it about? Internet that actually works, everywhere.
Quick Example: The 2Africa subsea cable landed in Lagos to boost internet speeds and access.
Contextual Data: Nigeria’s broadband penetration stands at 48% today. Achieving the 75% target could add over $15 billion to the GDP, according to the World Bank.
Why it matters:
- For individuals: Stream more, buffer less
- For entrepreneurs: Reliable access to online tools and platforms
- For businesses: Smoother remote work and digital operations
4. Service Infrastructure
What’s it about? Digital platforms for public services and governance.
Quick Example: services.gov.ng aims to be a one-stop shop for citizens to access government services.
Additional Insight: SMEs can integrate with platforms like REMITA and services.gov.ng via APIs to automate filings, license renewals, or registrations.
Why it matters:
- For citizens: Less time in queues, more done online
- For techies: Opportunities to build APIs and solutions around public data
- For SMEs: Easier registrations, licenses, and approvals
5. Digital Services Development and Promotion
What’s it about? Helping startups and small businesses go digital and grow.
Quick Example: Moniepoint became a unicorn in 2024 thanks to strong ecosystem support.
Actionable Tip: Explore NITDA’s Startup Portal and Bank of Industry grants. Both provide funding and advisory support for early-stage digital ventures.
Why it matters:
- For individuals: More job opportunities in tech and adjacent sectors
- For founders: Funding, mentorship, and ecosystem support
- For traditional businesses: Easy tools to digitize operations
6. Soft Infrastructure
What’s it about? Building trust in digital systems through cybersecurity, privacy, and digital identity.
Quick Example: The National Identity Number (NIN) is now linked to SIM cards and bank accounts.
Clarification: NIN integration simplifies Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, reducing fintech onboarding time from days to minutes.
Why it matters:
- For consumers: More secure digital transactions
- For startups: Simpler KYC and onboarding
- For big business: Better compliance and data security
7. Digital Society and Emerging Technologies
What’s it about? Using cutting-edge tech to improve lives across sectors like health, education, and finance.
Quick Example: FundusAI uses artificial intelligence to diagnose diabetic eye disease, a made-in-Nigeria solution supported internationally.
Clarification: Emerging tech includes AI, blockchain, and IoT, short for Internet of Things, meaning devices connected to the internet like smart meters or agricultural sensors.
Why it matters:
- For individuals: Access to smarter health and education tools
- For developers: New ideas for AI, blockchain, and IoT applications
- For businesses: Opportunities to pilot emerging tech solutions
8. Indigenous Content Promotion and Adoption
What’s it about? Putting Nigerian talent and products first in tech development and procurement.
Quick Example: Several Nigerian states are now exploring funding mechanisms to support local tech startups. For instance, Enugu State has expressed interest in aligning with the Nigeria Startup Act to stimulate homegrown innovation.
Clarification: Executive Order 003 and Executive Order 005 mandate government ministries and agencies to prioritize Nigerian content in procurement, including tech platforms.
Why it matters:
- For local developers: Government-backed opportunities
- For foreign firms: Partnering locally is the smart (and required) move
- For everyone: A stronger local tech ecosystem that benefits the economy
Final Thoughts on the NDEPS Pillars in Nigeria
The 8 Pillars of NDEPS go beyond policy talk. They form a real, working plan that’s already shaping how we build, connect, and grow in Nigeria’s digital space. Whether you’re launching a startup, managing a small business, or just figuring out your next move, understanding the NDEPS Pillars in Nigeria helps you stay ahead.
Pro Tip: Businesses that align with these pillars now will gain a first-mover advantage in Nigeria’s $1 trillion digital economy.
Up Next in the Series
Real Case Studies from the 8 Pillars: How Nigerian Startups Are Putting NDEPS to Work
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