In a landmark moment for the nation’s digital ambitions, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has celebrated the successful conclusion of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025). Hosted in Abuja under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the event highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global digital governance and the transformative potential of technology for socio-economic development.
ICEGOV 2025, a United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) initiative since 2007, convened over four days of rigorous debates, research presentations, and strategic discussions. Experts from academia, industry, civil society, and government agencies came together to share insights on advancing electronic governance. According to NITDA, the conference exemplifies how digital innovation can accelerate economic diversification, industrialisation, and national development priorities.
“This event marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to position Nigeria as a leader in digital governance,” said NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE. “By hosting ICEGOV in West Africa for the first time, we have not only showcased Nigeria’s research capabilities but also reinforced our commitment to inclusive and innovation-driven governance.”
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Research Excellence and Global Collaboration Take Centre Stage
ICEGOV 2025 attracted global attention with 151 scientific papers submitted by 308 authors across 33 countries. Emerging economies accounted for 68% of contributors, reflecting the conference’s inclusive reach and relevance. Nigeria led the global submissions with 102 authors, closely followed by Brazil, India, Portugal, and Greece.
The event also recognised outstanding research through its Best Paper Awards. Robert Ifeonu of the Central Bank of Nigeria won the top award for his paper, “Micro-Transformation Framework for Public Sector Innovation: Catalysing Resilient, Outcome-Driven Digital Governance,” underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in crafting home-grown digital governance models with tangible socio-economic impact.
Professor Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, commended NITDA for its strategic leadership and local partnerships that enhanced the conference’s global value. “The support and sponsorships facilitated by NITDA significantly strengthened Africa’s position in digital governance research,” she said during the closing ceremony.
NITDA emphasised that these achievements are the result of sustained investment in digital talent development, research funding, and ecosystem strengthening over the past decade. This investment, the agency noted, has positioned Nigeria as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, with outcomes already visible in both national and international recognition.
Economic Impact and Digital Transformation Gains
Beyond academic achievements, ICEGOV 2025 brought significant economic and strategic benefits. NITDA highlighted that hosting the conference elevated Nigeria’s reputation as a digital innovation hub and fostered partnerships that will drive new investments, research collaborations, and capacity-building programmes. Insights and tools shared at the event are expected to accelerate the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, improve public sector efficiency, and support economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, and innovation.
“The knowledge exchange from ICEGOV will catalyse improved service delivery, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and deepen Nigeria’s knowledge-driven economy,” NITDA stated. Delegates departed Abuja with renewed collaborations and research linkages, signalling a long-term commitment to advancing digital governance both locally and across Africa.
Director-General Inuwa highlighted the role of digital literacy and research in promoting inclusive national development. “Digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about serving citizens more efficiently. Governance must meet citizens where they are, which today is largely online,” he said.
To this end, NITDA has rolled out a wide array of initiatives, including the National Digital Literacy Framework, collaborations with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital skills into school curricula, and training programmes for over 24,000 public servants. Nationwide campaigns have also targeted market traders, transport workers, senior citizens, and faith-based groups to extend digital skills training across all segments of society.
Shaping Africa’s Digital Future through Collaboration
ICEGOV 2025, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion,” resonated with Nigeria’s national digital strategy and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Inuwa emphasised that co-creation and collaboration are central to government policies, ensuring that digital solutions are designed inclusively to meet citizens’ needs.
“The youth advantage in Nigeria presents a major opportunity for growth. By investing in knowledge, infrastructure, policies, and innovation, we can build the capacity for Africa’s digital self-determination,” Inuwa said. He called on African nations to collaborate, share insights, and co-develop strategies that will advance the continent’s digital governance agenda.
As Nigeria continues to invest in its digital ecosystem, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining momentum, ensuring that the country not only participates in but also shapes global conversations on electronic governance. ICEGOV 2025 has set the stage for Nigeria to lead Africa’s transformation into a knowledge-driven, digitally empowered society.
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