Startup Leaders Get Seats in Nigeria’s Digital Council

By Anayo Akwitti

Nigeria’s digital economy has reached a new milestone as startup founders and innovators gain a formal voice in shaping national tech policies through the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE).

The inclusion of four elected startup representatives follows the successful election conducted by the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) under the supervision of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

The elected representatives are:
• Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – South West
• Charles Uchenna Emembolu – South East
• Abba Ibrahim Gamawa – North East
• Victoria Ojoagefu Manya – North Central
This development signals a shift toward shared governance in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, giving entrepreneurs a direct seat at the policy table.

According to Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, the transparent election process demonstrates the government’s “commitment to inclusive decision-making and sustainable growth of the startup sector.”

She said the newly elected members will represent the voices of innovators, tech founders, and grassroots entrepreneurs, ensuring that policies reflect the realities of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“The inclusion of democratically elected startup founders for the first time in Nigeria’s history represents a defining moment for participatory governance in technology and innovation,” Umar stated.

Established under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), the NCDIE serves as the central coordination body for implementing startup-related policies, fostering collaboration between government, investors, academia, and innovators.

Observers say the move could strengthen policy trust, improve industry-government communication, and encourage more startups to scale within Nigeria rather than relocating abroad.

Umar reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to building an inclusive digital economy, adding that the new structure would enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness and support young innovators in turning ideas into thriving businesses.