For decades, conversations about Nigeria’s infrastructure have centred on roads, bridges, railways and power plants.
But as economies become increasingly digital, another form of infrastructure is emerging as just as critical, one that is less visible but equally vital: digital infrastructure.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) believes Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful industrialisation without it.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026) in Abuja, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, made a strong case for placing digital infrastructure at the heart of the country’s economic transformation strategy.
The conference, organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) under the theme “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, investors and industry leaders to explore ways of closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.
For Inuwa, however, the conversation should extend beyond concrete and steel.
He argued that while roads, ports and power remain indispensable, they must increasingly work alongside broadband networks, cloud infrastructure, data centres, digital platforms and smart technologies to create an economy capable of competing globally.
According to him, technology has become one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth, making investment in digital infrastructure no longer optional but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.
His remarks reinforce NITDA’s broader vision of positioning technology not merely as a supporting tool but as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial and economic future.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital in the conventional infrastructure we are building’’, Inuwa said.
He commended the federal government for supporting the organised private sector in the renewed campaign to redouble Nigeria’s infrastructure assets.
The NITDA DG assured that the agency is open to partnering with NACCIMA and other stakeholders to bolster the federal government’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.
“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure.
“NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure,’’ he added.
In his welcome address, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, the president of NACCIMA, told participants that INFRACON 2026 is conceived to serve as Nigeria’s foremost platform for mobilising private capital, innovative ideas, and strategic partnerships for infrastructure development.
Ibrahim urged participants to approach the conference with a spirit of partnership, innovation, and action, adding that NACCIMA is taking urgent measures to identify committed partners, promote investment-ready opportunities, and monitor progress towards achieving the national economic target in the next few years.
He announced that this year’s conference focuses on priority areas, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and infrastructure for industrialisation and export growth.
While appreciating the conference participants and sponsors, the president promised that NACCIMA is ready to walk with all stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy’’, he stated.
