A growing call has emerged for stronger recognition of innovation in Northern Nigeria, as stakeholders warn that the region’s technology ecosystem remains underreported despite increasing activity. This appeal comes from entrepreneur and ecosystem advocate Johnpaul Nwobodo, who insists that a quiet wave of startup development is unfolding across the North but is largely overlooked by investors, media and policy actors.
Speaking on the state of innovation outside Nigeria’s traditional tech hubs, Nwobodo stressed that the perception of inactivity in Northern Nigeria is misleading. According to him, the real issue is not a lack of innovation but a lack of intentional visibility. He noted that many founders are building solutions quietly, without the exposure needed to attract capital, partnerships and broader recognition.
This perspective highlights a long-standing imbalance within Nigeria’s digital economy, where cities like Lagos dominate conversations around startups, leaving other regions struggling to gain attention even when progress is evident.
Visibility gap slowing growth of Northern startups
Nwobodo identified access as the central challenge facing startups in Northern Nigeria. He explained that access goes beyond funding and includes visibility, digital tools and payment infrastructure. Without these elements, even the most promising ideas struggle to scale or reach wider markets.
To address this, he founded Cresthub, a media platform focused on documenting and promoting startups, particularly those operating in underserved regions. The initiative was born from his early experiences sharing stories within his immediate environment, which later revealed a broader pattern of overlooked innovation.
He explained that many founders in Northern Nigeria operate in isolation, building products without the exposure that typically drives growth in more established ecosystems. This lack of visibility creates a cycle where investors remain unaware of opportunities, and startups remain underfunded.
The implication is significant. In a country where technology is increasingly recognised as a driver of economic development, failing to spotlight regional innovation risks widening inequality within the ecosystem. Research has consistently shown that technology plays a key role in productivity, competitiveness and national growth, making inclusion essential for long-term progress.
Fintech innovation emerging from underserved markets
Beyond advocacy, Nwobodo is also directly involved in building solutions tailored to local challenges. One example is Recon, a contactless payment platform designed to simplify transactions for small merchants.
The platform was developed during a period of cash scarcity in Nigeria, when many individuals and businesses struggled with limited access to physical cash. By enabling merchants to receive payments directly through their mobile phones, Recon eliminates the need for costly point-of-sale devices, which can be a barrier for small-scale operators.
Early adoption figures suggest strong demand for such solutions. According to Nwobodo, the platform has processed transactions exceeding one billion naira while still in its testing phase, with activity concentrated in Jos. This level of traction challenges common assumptions about financial inclusion in Northern Nigeria.
Rather than a lack of willingness to adopt digital payments, he argues that the real issue lies in how existing systems are designed. Many platforms fail to reflect the realities of users in underserved areas, from infrastructure limitations to behavioural patterns around transactions.
A recent real-world test during a music event in Jos further demonstrated the platform’s potential. Vendors were able to receive payments seamlessly, reinforcing the idea that tailored solutions can unlock economic activity even in environments often considered difficult.
Rethinking Nigeria’s tech ecosystem beyond Lagos
The broader message from Nwobodo’s advocacy is clear. Nigeria’s technology ecosystem cannot reach its full potential if it remains concentrated in a few urban centres. Expanding attention to Northern Nigeria is not just a matter of fairness but also a strategic move to unlock untapped opportunities.
Nigeria’s digital economy is already positioned as a key driver of future growth, with increasing emphasis on innovation, regulation and inclusion. However, achieving this potential requires deliberate efforts to bridge regional gaps and support emerging ecosystems.
Experts argue that decentralising innovation can lead to more diverse solutions, particularly those tailored to local challenges in agriculture, commerce and financial services. Technology adoption in these areas has the potential to improve livelihoods, reduce poverty and stimulate economic activity across communities.
For Northern Nigeria, the path forward will depend on coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders. Media platforms must continue to spotlight hidden innovators, investors need to expand their focus beyond familiar hubs, and policymakers should prioritise infrastructure and access.
Nwobodo’s call serves as both a warning and an opportunity. Ignoring the region’s growing tech activity risks leaving valuable innovation untapped, while embracing it could redefine Nigeria’s position in Africa’s digital economy.
As more stories emerge from the North, the narrative may begin to shift. What was once seen as a quiet region in the tech space could soon become a significant contributor to the country’s innovation landscape, provided the right attention and support are sustained.
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