President signs revised Startup Act “Digital Nigeria 2026” priorities – Minister highlights Tinubu’s digital reforms

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of a revised Startup Act, and the minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital economy’s announcement of important priorities under the federal government’s “Digital Nigeria 2026” agenda, Nigeria has taken yet another significant step towards strengthening its digital economy and startup ecosystem.

When taken as a whole, these actions demonstrate the government’s renewed dedication to youth empowerment, technology-driven growth, invention, and establishing Nigeria as the continent’s top digital economy.

Nigeria’s startup ecosystem: A new chapter

The Nigeria Startup Act was first passed in 2022 with the intention of giving the nation’s tech startups institutional and legal support. Incentives like tax breaks, streamlined registration procedures, funding availability, and the establishment of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship were all introduced by the Act.

The federal government intends to improve implementation, close gaps found since the Act’s implementation, and better align startup policy with Nigeria’s changing digital economy objectives by signing a revised version of the Startup Act.

Speaking at the 3MTT National Impact Summit in the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, Mr. Tijani praised the president’s dedication to “firing up the base” and making sure that reforms directly benefit the typical Nigerian.

He said that the National Data Protection Commission Act, which established Nigeria’s first independent data protection body, was one of the administration’s extensive initiatives.

This commission is now recognised all over the world as one of the very best in Africa” he declared.

President Tinubu authorized the 3MTT project in October 2023 as the “largest technology talent accelerator programme in the world.” the minister continued.

In order to give Nigerians “the best internet that is available anywhere in the world,” he added, the president pledged in May 2024 to increase national connectivity by approving a $2 billion investment in 90,000 km of fibre optic cable. He claims that the project is the biggest of its sort in any emerging nation.

According to Mr. Tijani, in August 2024, the president further designated all ICT and telecommunications infrastructure as key national infrastructure, giving them protection akin to that of military assets.

He said, “For 10 years, they had been struggling to change the pricing of their services, and in January 2025, the president allowed these companies to increase their tariffs after a thorough study.” when discussing the difficulties facing the telecom industry.

The government has authorised the installation of roughly 4,000 cellular towers in rural areas, he continued.

“This initiative will bring close to 23 million Nigerians that are currently not connected at all into the digital economy,” he said.

The significance of the updated startup Act

The updated Act strengthens government assistance to startups in their early and growth stages by:

• Increasing the clarity of regulations for tech-enabled companies
• Promoting the domestication of startup laws at the state level throughout Nigeria
• Improving opportunities for both public and private funding
• Increasing cooperation between investors, regulators, and startups
• Making the business environment more predictable and founder-friendly

This action is especially important as more Nigerian states enact regional Startup Acts, guaranteeing that innovation support extends throughout the federation rather than just Lagos alone.

Digital Nigeria 2026: The digital vision of the government

The government’s “Digital Nigeria 2026” priorities, a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating digital transformation over the coming years, were presented by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy alongside the updated Startup Act.

The minister claims that digital technology will be essential to Nigeria’s long-term development objectives, job creation, and economic diversification.

Key tenets of the Digital Nigeria 2026 Agenda

1. The expansion of digital infrastructure across the country.
   
   With an emphasis on undeveloped and rural communities, the government intends to greatly expand fiber-optic and broadband infrastructure. Improved connectivity is seen as foundational to innovation, e-commerce, digital education, and remote work.

• Using technology to promote economic growth
  
  By 2026, a greater portion of Nigeria’s GDP is anticipated to come from digital services. To support fintech, e-government services, digital trade, and technology-enabled businesses, laws and policies are being coordinated.

• Innovation, AI, and new technologies
  
  Nigeria wants to compete in modern technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated data systems. It is anticipated that government support for research, innovation hubs, and private-sector cooperation will rise.

• Inclusion and digital skills
  
  Human capital development is one of Digital Nigeria 2026‘s main priorities. Initiatives like the 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) program aim to reduce unemployment and prepare the workforce for the future by providing Nigerians, particularly young people, with in-demand digital skills.

• Trust, Policy, and Regulation
  
  Data protection, cybersecurity, and digital identification systems are among the digital governance frameworks that the government is attempting to fortify. It is anticipated that current, transparent laws will protect users in the digital economy and increase investor trust.

Looking ahead

Stakeholders will be closely monitoring how well these rules convert into actual opportunities for Nigerian businesses and digital professionals as execution becomes the next crucial stage.

If implemented properly, the updated Startup Act and Digital Nigeria 2026 might be a game changer, establishing Nigeria as one of Africa’s most inventive digital hubs in addition to its biggest economy.