Nigeria’s technology regulator is seeking stronger collaboration with startups, investors, researchers and industry players as it pushes to expand the country’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.

The National Information Technology Development Agency said partnerships across government, academia and the private sector will be critical to transforming digital innovation into solutions that support economic growth, create jobs and improve public services.

The agency made the call recently at the 20th edition of the Nigeria Computer Society International Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders discussed strategies for deploying artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics to drive inclusive growth.

Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital future would depend on sustained investment in innovation, digital skills development, research and strategic partnerships.

He said NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan is focused on expanding digital literacy, supporting research and development, strengthening cybersecurity and building innovation-driven ecosystems.

“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” Onumo said in a statement.

The agency said it is expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and technology startups through initiatives designed to encourage collaboration, investment and the development of locally built solutions.

NITDA also encouraged innovators and startup founders attending the conference to participate in the forthcoming Builders Summit, where indigenous technology solutions addressing national development challenges will be showcased.

The push comes as governments and businesses globally increase investment in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, as countries compete to build digital economies and attract technology-driven investment.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who declared the conference open, said digital technology had become essential to modern governance and economic development.

He said his administration had deployed digital solutions to improve public service delivery, increase internally generated revenue and modernise government processes.

“Technology will also play a decisive role in transforming agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security,” Mutfwang said, urging participants to ensure discussions at the conference translate into practical outcomes.

Nigeria Computer Society President, Prof Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was designed to bring together policymakers, regulators, researchers and industry leaders to develop strategies for harnessing emerging technologies.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance’, Sirajo identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as key technologies shaping future economies.

He said Nigeria’s young population and growing digital ecosystem present an opportunity to build a globally competitive technology sector, provided investments in infrastructure, innovation and skills development remain priorities.

The conference brought together government officials, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private-sector leaders to discuss policies and innovations expected to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.