The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially announced the maiden edition of the Startup Consultative Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In a statement issued by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency described the event as a pivotal step toward strengthening collaboration within Nigeria’s dynamic startup landscape.
A Platform for Innovation and Policy Dialogue
The Forum will bring together startup founders, innovators, investors, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries in a shared space to help shape policies that drive growth, investment, and digital innovation. It’s more than just a meeting—it’s a bridge between the government and Nigeria’s innovation-driven future.
Convened under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), the initiative signals the federal government’s commitment to positioning startups as key partners in national development. Through this platform, startups will have a direct voice in policy creation and ecosystem governance.
Key Focus: Nominations for the Startup Council
A central objective of the meeting is the nomination and selection of representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, also known as the Startup Council. This body will act as the highest advisory group on startup-related matters in Nigeria.
NITDA is calling on all NSA-labelled startups, certified entrepreneurial and innovation support organisations, angel investors, venture capitalists, and other relevant actors to actively participate in this foundational event—particularly in the voting and nomination process.
Why This Matters
The Startup Consultative Forum is expected to lay the groundwork for more inclusive and responsive policy development in Nigeria’s tech space. By fostering collaborative dialogue, it aims to amplify the voices of innovators and ensure that future regulations are shaped by those most impacted.
As Nigeria continues to push for digital transformation and tech-driven development, the Forum stands as a milestone event for stakeholders and the startup community alike.
