Introduction
Back in 2019, Nigeria set a bold course with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), a plan to transform the country into a digital-first powerhouse by 2030. This bold shift positioned the Nigeria digital economy as a national priority aiming to unlock growth across sectors and make digital participation accessible to all Nigerians.
Fast forward to 2025, and it’s time to ask: how much progress have we actually made?
In this article, we break down what NDEPS is all about, where Nigeria stands right now, what’s working, and what still needs serious attention in a straightforward, jargon-free way, with a clear view of the Nigeria digital economy’s wins and growing pains.
What is NDEPS?
The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) was introduced in 2019 by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE). It marked a turning point in Nigeria’s development agenda. ICT was no longer seen as just a support sector, it became the engine driving national transformation.
Launched under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, NDEPS was designed as a future-facing, long-term strategy. It remains the guiding policy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has also prioritized digital transformation as key to economic growth, job creation, and governance reform.
At its core, NDEPS is structured around eight strategic pillars that serve as Nigeria’s blueprint for building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy. These pillars guide the use of digital tools to address real-world challenges, from expanding broadband access and delivering online government services to equipping citizens with digital skills and supporting tech-enabled startups.
Why NDEPS Still Matters
NDEPS goes beyond being a written strategy; it represents Nigeria’s broader commitment to keeping the Nigeria digital economy competitive in an increasingly tech-driven world. With one of the youngest populations globally and a rapidly growing tech-savvy middle class, Nigeria’s economic future depends on how effectively it embraces digital transformation.
From empowering local innovators to expanding access to government services and boosting tech inclusion, NDEPS is helping shape the Nigeria digital economy into a key pillar of national development. It’s also providing a path to reduce reliance on oil by serving as a blueprint for inclusive growth, national resilience, and long-term economic diversification.
Big Picture Goals
NDEPS isn’t just a document sitting on a shelf; it is the foundation for Nigeria digital economy growth. It is about turning innovation into jobs, skills into economic power, and technology into a tool that benefits every Nigerian.
The big-picture ambition? For Nigeria to be a global leader in the digital space, not just catching up, but setting the pace. Whether it’s a student learning to code, a small business scaling online, or a government office becoming more efficient, the mission is to use tech to improve lives and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
It’s also about ensuring that no one is left behind. The goal is simple: make technology work for every Nigerian, whether they live in Lagos, Lafia, or Lokoja.
NDEPS in a Nutshell
The strategy is being implemented under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, working closely with agencies like NITDA and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). These institutions help set regulatory direction, guide broadband rollout, and implement digital skill programs with public-private partnerships.
NDEPS is built on eight key pillars:
- Smart regulations that support innovation
- Digital skills to empower citizens
- Reliable infrastructure like broadband and data centers
- Government services that go digital
- Promotion of digital businesses and startups
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Support for emerging tech like AI and blockchain
- Encouragement of local solutions and content
Big goals include 70% broadband coverage, training 5 million Nigerians in digital skills, and fully digitizing public services.
📊 Key Goal: Achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025
So, How Are We Doing in 2025?
Smart Regulations
The Nigeria Startup Act, signed in 2022, marked a significant milestone in aligning policy with innovation. However, by 2024, only around 10 states had taken steps to domesticate the Act, a slow pace limiting its national impact and leaving gaps in startup support outside major tech hubs. (Source: Nigerian Ecosystem Report 2024)
Digital Skills & Talent
Programs like iHatch and the Google-backed AI Fund are building capacity. Data Science Nigeria’s ₦2.8 billion grant has supercharged talent development nationwide. has supercharged talent development nationwide.
Reliable Infrastructure
There’s movement — the 2Africa submarine cable has landed, and Infraco projects are in motion. But “last-mile connectivity” (getting broadband to homes and rural communities) is still lacking in states like Taraba and Zamfara due to high RoW (Right of Way) costs and policy gaps.
Digital Government Services
Sites like services.gov.ng make it easier to access things like passport renewal or tax services. Still, many local governments lack the tech or training to fully implement these tools.
Startup Growth & Innovation
Moniepoint became Nigeria’s latest unicorn in 2024. Moove, Lendsqr, and others attracted major funding. But Thepeer and BuyCoins Pro shut down, a reflection of compliance hurdles, product-market fit struggles, and tight funding environments.
Cybersecurity & Privacy
Nigeria’s data framework is anchored by the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). And while efforts to unify NIN, SIM, and BVN data are ongoing, Nigeria hasn’t yet joined the Budapest Convention, a global treaty on cybercrime cooperation.
Emerging Tech on the Rise
AI is not just hype; it is helping in health (FundusAI), agriculture (Farmspeak), and energy (Rana Energy). Also, more startups are tapping into blockchain and green tech.
Locally Made Tech
Executive Orders 003 and 005, issued during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, directed federal ministries and agencies to prioritize local content and innovation in public procurement. While these orders remain relevant as reference points, it’s unclear how actively they’re being reinforced by the current administration. Nonetheless, some states like Enugu have continued in that spirit with smart school rollouts and digital training hubs supporting local innovation.
What’s Working and What’s Holding Us Back
Bright Spots
- Nigerian founders are showing grit and creativity
- Public-private training programs are building new skills
- AI startups are gaining traction globally
- Innovation is spreading beyond Lagos
Challenges
- Broadband rollout still trails the 70% goal
- Subnational regulatory rollout is uneven
- Most digital services remain underutilized
- Rural areas still struggle to get online, especially in northern and central regions
Startup Ecosystem: Where the Action Is (and Isn’t)
Lagos remains Nigeria’s startup capital, home to over 70% of the activity and five unicorns, and continues to drive fintech, edtech, and AI growth within the Nigeria digital economy. But Abuja and Enugu are fast emerging as promising tech hubs, thanks to targeted policies and growing talent pools. The challenge? Over 80% of venture capital activity is still concentrated in Lagos. Regional VCs like Aduna Capital are working to change that by backing startups in underserved areas.
Why This Still Matters
Nigeria’s digital economy is a lifeline. With one of the world’s youngest populations and a growing number of mobile users, digitization means jobs, services, and empowerment. But without solid infrastructure and smart policies, we risk widening the gap between tech haves and have-nots.
NDEPS goes beyond being a document; it is a blueprint for national progress and a vital part of the Nigeria digital economy agenda.
What Needs to Happen Next for Nigeria’s Digital Economy Strategy
To build on the foundations laid so far, Nigeria must shift from policy design to aggressive implementation. This includes:
- Drive fiber optic rollout deeper into rural regions
- Expand partnerships to digitize local government services (e.g., LG tech grants, private sector implementation)
- Increase investment in AI and clean tech through dedicated innovation funds
- Get every state to adopt its own Startup Act framework
- Strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and join international treaties
Wrapping Up: From Policy to Progress
Five years in, NDEPS has momentum, but much remains to be done. For the Nigeria digital economy to truly thrive, we need deeper infrastructure, stronger policy enforcement, and greater inclusivity. If Nigeria doubles down on infrastructure, talent, and innovation, we could lead Africa’s digital future. It’s time to turn policy into performance and performance into lasting impact.
📢 Up Next in the Series
🔍 NDEPS Pillars in Nigeria: What They Mean for You and Your Business
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