Abuja, Nigeria
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled its plans to establish the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Startup Council).
The agency said a startup consultative forum will be held on April 28 to nominate members to the startup council in line with the Nigeria Startup Act 2022.
NITDA’s director of corporate communications and media relations, Hadiza Umar, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The forum represents a major milestone in deepening stakeholder engagement within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving startup landscape, Umar said.
According to her, the initiative under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) is a reflection of the federal government’s commitment to positioning startups as vital contributors to building an innovation-friendly environment.
The statement urged stakeholders to work with NITDA in building a thriving startup ecosystem that supported and celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian startups.
“It will serve as the highest advisory body for the nation’s startup ecosystem,” she said.
“Decisions from this forum will form the foundation for inclusive policy development and amplify the voices of Nigeria’s tech and innovation community.
“NITDA invites all labelled startups, verified entrepreneurial and innovation support organisations, angel investors, venture capitalists, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the forum and take part in the nomination and voting process.
“Join us in shaping the future of digital innovation in Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Startup Act was signed into law on October 19, 2022, to create a legal framework for the development of startups in the country.
The Startup Act, 2022, makes provision for “the development and growth of technology-related talent”.
The act also provides for incentives, including a startup seed fund and simplified registration processes.
NITDA called on interested parties to contact the agency via email at info@nitda.gov.ng or visit https://nitda.gov.ng for more details.
