The newly elected representatives, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (South West), Charles Uchenna Emembolu (South East), Abba Ibrahim Gamawa (North East), and Victoria Ojoagefu Manya (North Central), will bring the perspectives of founders, innovators, and digital entrepreneurs directly into policy discussions that shape the country’s startup sector.

The election, coordinated by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), followed a transparent nomination and voting process involving members of the Startup Consultative Forum from all six geopolitical zones. 

The Forum was inaugurated earlier in 2025 to ensure that the startup ecosystem had a voice in government-led innovation policymaking.

The NCDIE, created under the Nigeria Startup Act, serves as the main governance body responsible for driving the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship agenda. It brings together representatives from the private sector, government, academia, and investors to oversee and coordinate the Act’s implementation. 

For the first time, elected startup founders are joining the NCDIE Council, revealing a goal to boost inclusive governance and stronger collaboration between policymakers and the innovation community.

This development is seen as an important milestone in bridging the gap between Nigeria’s startup sector and government institutions. With direct representation, founders can now contribute meaningfully to conversations around policy design, funding structures, and innovation support frameworks. 

It also reflects the government’s commitment to engage the private sector in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

According to NITDA, the inclusion of startup representatives “underscores the commitment of ONDI and NITDA to strengthening collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders.” The agency reaffirmed its resolve to “build a thriving digital economy, nurture startups, and foster the type of collaboration that ensures innovation becomes a cornerstone of national development.”

The new Council is expected to effectively integrate startup perspectives into national strategies and ensure the collaboration influences long-term growth in the tech sector. 

The election has already been commended by experts as a positive indication that Nigeria’s innovation policy is beginning to reflect the voices of those driving real change from the ground up.

This is an important step in boosting government–ecosystem collaboration as part of the broader rollout of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). 

The Act, signed into law on 19 October 2022, seeks to provide a legal and institutional framework to ensure startup growth, providing incentives such as a startup seed fund, tax reliefs, and simplified regulatory procedures for eligible companies.

Beyond a ceremonial launch, the Startup Consultative Forum by NITDA aims to connect startup founders, angel investors, venture capitalists, and innovation support organisations into one space directly with policymakers to shape national decisions, from policy design to long-term investment strategies.

It also opens the door to electing members of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship — the top advisory group for Nigeria’s startup sector. 

The goal includes handing over part of the policymaking reins to those who are actively building the country’s digital economy.

The government is relying on this group to recommend who will sit on the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship — the top advisory body for startups in Nigeria. 

This council, created by the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), has the power to influence where funding goes, what policies stay, and which ones die on paper.

NITDA says this forum will prioritise representation. That means no empty panels and no one-size-fits-all solutions. It wants those building real products and running real businesses to be in charge of the future. 

“Join us in shaping the future of digital innovation in Nigeria. Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem that supports and celebrates the pioneering spirit of Nigerian startups.”

What makes this meeting different from previous tech gatherings is the emphasis on nomination and voting. Every participant is expected to contribute to selecting who will represent startups at the highest level of policymaking. 

NITDA is calling on “all Labelled Startups, Verified Entrepreneurial and Innovation Support Organisations, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and other relevant stakeholders” to show up, contribute, and make decisions.

For more information, interested parties can reach NITDA via email at info@nitda.gov.ng, visit the website, or follow them on social media @nitdanigeria.

The press statement was signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, fnipr, f.apra, mcipr, director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA.