The Nigeria Startup Act is gaining strong momentum as NITDA takes a bold step toward real implementation. The National Information Technology Development Agency has appointed four respected startup ecosystem leaders to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This action shows that the government is serious about aligning policy with innovation and giving real power to the people shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, NITDA confirmed that Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Victoria Manya, Charles Uchenna Emembolu, and Abba Ibrahim Gamawa were elected through the Startup Consultative Forum. Each of them will serve a two-year term on the Council. Their selection reflects both transparency and inclusiveness, key values the agency continues to promote across Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
Many innovators see this move as a landmark moment for the Nigeria Startup Act. The Act, passed in 2022, was designed to connect government support with the energy of the private tech sector. For years, founders have pushed for policies that truly reflect their challenges and dreams. By bringing experienced entrepreneurs directly into decision-making spaces, the government is finally closing the long-standing communication gap.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, brings deep experience in building billion-dollar startups. Victoria Manya is known for her strong voice in policy advocacy and startup development. Charles Uchenna Emembolu has helped expand innovation networks across Nigeria, while Abba Ibrahim Gamawa represents the fast-growing northern tech ecosystem. Their inclusion brings both diversity and depth to the Council’s mission.
NITDA’s commitment to fairness during the election has earned praise from many tech stakeholders. The agency continues to show that transparency builds trust between innovators and government institutions. This trust remains essential for the success of the Nigeria Startup Act. As many observers noted, collaboration will determine whether the Act delivers on its promise to empower startups and attract investment.
The excitement within the tech community is clear. Founders across Lagos, Abuja, and Kano see this as a turning point. The announcement has inspired hope that Nigeria can finally become a truly supportive environment for startups to grow. Many entrepreneurs believe the inclusion of credible ecosystem figures will drive real accountability in how digital policies are shaped and implemented.
Each appointed member is expected to bring fresh ideas, practical insights, and creative solutions to the Council. Their combined experience will help design policies that encourage innovation, create jobs, and promote investor confidence. They will also ensure that future initiatives align with the unique realities of local startups, not just global trends.
The progress of the Nigeria Startup Act represents more than government reform; it embodies a shift in mindset. Nigeria is beginning to see technology not just as an industry but as a powerful engine for national growth. Every action that deepens collaboration between innovators and regulators moves the country closer to a stronger digital economy.
As this new Council begins its work, Nigerians are watching closely with renewed optimism. The future looks bright when leadership listens, collaborates, and acts decisively. The implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act shows that progress happens when vision meets partnership. Nigeria’s innovators finally have a voice at the table, and that voice could reshape the nation’s tech destiny.
