Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to localise the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 commitments, reinforcing efforts to accelerate national digital transformation through improved infrastructure, transparent internet governance and strengthened cybersecurity driven by multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The strategy was unveiled in New York at a Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,” positioning Nigeria as a key contributor to shaping the global digital future.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei, said Nigeria’s approach aligns with the four core activity areas under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process, providing a practical framework for translating global commitments into measurable national outcomes.
Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting challenges in extending connectivity to underserved communities, alongside affordability and digital literacy gaps. He said these issues remain central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda.
He explained that the government is leveraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to address infrastructure gaps, disclosing that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a nationwide fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres to boost connectivity.
The NITDA Director-General also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan is nearing completion, with a renewed five-year plan in the works to drive higher broadband penetration and stimulate economic growth. He added that cybersecurity remains a critical pillar, citing the Cybersecurity Act and a reviewed version awaiting parliamentary approval.
On internet governance, Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its annual national IGF, which brings together government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to foster cooperation and informed policy dialogue. He also stressed Nigeria’s ambition to lead digital cooperation efforts across Africa through reliable data collection and inclusive engagement.
Earlier, the Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), Ms. Jennifer Chung, commended Nigeria’s commitment to WSIS+20 implementation, stressing the importance of localised follow-up mechanisms, affordable connectivity and inclusive access to emerging technologies. She called for sustained collaboration to translate global digital commitments into tangible local impact.