NITDA unveils cloud sovereignty initiative

Joy Agwunobi

Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the National Cloud Sovereign Technical Working Group (TWG) to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and establish greater control over its data sovereignty.

The initiative is designed to promote local data hosting, reduce reliance on foreign cloud services, and attract hyperscale investments.

During the inauguration, Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA, stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by fostering collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that achieving digital sovereignty requires strategic investments in local data centres, clear regulatory frameworks, and accurate data to guide decision-making.

The TWG will develop policies that align with global best practices, ensuring Nigeria builds a resilient digital infrastructure while maintaining regulatory compliance and fostering innovation. Key industry players, including Google, AWS, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Huawei Cloud, Equinix, Medallion Data Centre, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, have pledged support for the initiative, committing resources to its success.

Inuwa identified the lack of accurate data on Nigeria’s IT infrastructure as a major obstacle to attracting investment. He pointed out that while Africa accounts for nearly 19 per cent of the global population, it hosts less than 1 per cent  of the world’s data centres. This disparity, he said, limits Nigeria’s ability to position itself as a prime destination for digital investments.

To address this challenge, NITDA has commissioned comprehensive research to assess Nigeria’s digital landscape, revealing the need for improved regulatory frameworks, clearer investment incentives, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. The agency has also engaged global consultants to refine strategies for cloud development and digital expansion.

As the TWG begins its work, NITDA has called on industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources. “With collective effort, Nigeria can establish itself as the leading digital hub for West and Central Africa,” Inuwa stated.

Similarly, Emmanuel Edet, acting director of regulation and compliance at NITDA, emphasised the need for regulatory interventions to drive cloud development. “Our goal is to implement policies and legal frameworks that enable Nigeria to securely host and manage its data, which is critical for the growth of our digital economy,” he said.

Edet also underscored the importance of capacity building, stating that equipping industry professionals with advanced training is essential for fully leveraging digital technologies. He urged stakeholders to actively engage in shaping Nigeria’s digital future, adding, “We must collaboratively develop a framework that reflects national interests and is widely accepted.”