The digital economy took centre stage as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) lauded the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for igniting a deep-rooted transformation across Nigeria’s digital landscape. On July 17, 2025, NITDA’s management and staff offered heartfelt tributes in his honour, commending his decades-long commitment to governance defined by integrity, discipline, and unwavering public service.
Amidst national mourning, Buhari’s administration was praised for its foresight and foundational contributions to the digital economy—marking a definitive shift in policy orientation and implementation.
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A Legacy Built on Principles
NITDA emphasised Buhari’s core values—transparency, accountability, and a revitalised national spirit—as key drivers of his digital strategy. The agency reaffirmed that under his leadership, systemic changes were introduced to support the sustained growth of digital infrastructure and services
Institutional Realignment: Elevating Digital Governance
In 2019, the Buhari administration rebranded the Federal Ministry of Communications as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy—an institutional shift underscoring Nigeria’s renewed strategic focus
This realignment was followed by the release of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030). This blueprint outlined eight critical pillars—ranging from infrastructure development and digital literacy to emerging technologies and indigenous content—aimed at propelling Nigeria towards a digitally inclusive economy.
Connecting Nigeria: Infrastructure that Matters
Under Buhari’s mantle, broadband penetration expanded from single digits to nearly half the population by 2023. Unprecedented efforts to deploy undersea cables, accelerate fibre-optic rollouts, and introduce 5G connectivity solidified the physical backbone of Nigeria’s digital revolution.
By consolidating robust infrastructure, Buhari’s administration turned internet access into a catalytic force—enhancing everything from education and e-commerce to government service delivery.
Policy & Regulation: From Vision to Execution
Buhari’s government backed its infrastructure ambitions with decisive policy moves:
- National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS)—a roadmap guiding digital transformation.
- Executive Orders 003 & 005—prioritizing local tech firms in government procurement and promoting Nigerian content.
- Data Protection and Blockchain Frameworks—bolstering digital trust and aligning Nigeria with emerging global tech standards.
- E-Government Interoperability—streamlining systems like IPPIS, TSA, and BVN for improved transparency and reduced corruption.
Empowering Startups & Tech SMEs
Buhari’s era witnessed a strategic shift in supporting Nigeria’s tech start-up ecosystem:
- Nigeria Startup Act (2022) offered tax breaks, regulatory clarity, and simplified access to funding mechanisms.
- Expedited local manufacturing via companies like Zinox and AfriOne—providing census tech solutions and POS devices—reinforced local content mandates
- Digital training programmes—like NITDA’s Digital States Initiative and later Tinubu’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative—built Nigeria’s digital-skills pool.
These moves helped nurture Nigerian unicorns like Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Andela.
Financial Inclusion & e-Naira
A defining moment of Buhari’s tenure was the launch of e-Naira in 2021—a bold push toward digital currency and financial inclusion. While adoption rates remain modest, Nigeria became Africa’s first country to debut a CBDC.
Simultaneously, VC capital in Nigerian tech surged from $70 million in 2015 to over $1 billion by 2022—testament to the ecosystem’s vibrancy.
Governance and Human Capital
Leadership recognized that structural reforms began with people. Buhari directed sweeping digital literacy campaigns and capacity-building initiatives across government departments and among youth participants—ensuring that nearly every citizen could engage with the digital revolution.
Progress Amid Challenges
While Buhari’s digital blueprint was ambitious, it wasn’t without friction:
- Rights vs Regulation: The 2021 Twitter ban raised concerns about freedom of expression, while crypto restrictions halted legal trading avenues
- Cost Barriers: Forex controls and fintech constraints complicated startup access to global SaaS tools and foreign investments.
Though these policies stirred debate, they reflected the administration’s focus on security and domestic economic control.
A Lasting Foundation
As the nation mourns Buhari’s passing, NITDA’s accolades underscore the permanence of his legacy—digital structures that extend beyond politics and timelines. The agency concluded with this prayerful reflection: “May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn.”
Looking Ahead: Digital Economy
Buhari’s digital footprint—spanning infrastructure, policy, human development, and innovation—provides ample opportunities for successors. Whether it’s Tinubu’s ongoing 3MTT skills drive, continued rollout of broadband, or further startup empowerment, Nigeria’s digital economy is following a trajectory set in motion years ago.
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