Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has announced the election of four startup ecosystem representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE). The appointments mark a critical milestone in the implementation of the 2022 Nigeria Startup Act, which aims to align government policy with the needs of the country’s rapidly growing technology sector. The elected members will serve two-year terms, representing the interests of entrepreneurs and innovators nationwide.
Who the Representatives Are
The four elected representatives are Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Victoria Manya, Charles Uchenna Emembolu, and Abba Ibrahim Gamawa. Each brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial leadership, policy expertise, and innovation ecosystem experience. Aboyeji is the Founding Partner at Future Africa, a venture capital firm backing early-stage African startups; Manya is Co-founder and Executive Director at Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API); Emembolu is Founder of TechQuest STEM Academy and Roar Nigeria Hub and also chairs the Innovation Support Network (ISN) of local tech hubs; and Gamawa is Founder of Go Agent Limited, a logistics platform connecting clearing agents, transporters, and importers.
Strengthening Collaboration and Policy Influence
According to NITDA, the inclusion of these representatives demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has a voice in national policymaking. Their primary role will be to provide insights, feedback, and proposals to the Council to help guide the rollout of initiatives under the Startup Act. These include startup labelling, investment incentives, talent programs, and regulatory reforms designed to foster a more inclusive, innovation-driven economy.
The Broader Vision of the Startup Act
The Nigeria Startup Act, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022, provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for supporting the growth of tech-enabled startups. It addresses challenges related to funding, regulation, infrastructure, and talent development, with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a leading digital innovation hub in Africa. The Act’s framework ensures structured collaboration among government, investors, academia, and the private sector—key pillars in driving innovation-led growth.
Composition and Role of the National Council
The NCDIE serves as the central body responsible for implementing the Startup Act and monitoring its progress. Chaired by the President and vice-chaired by the Vice President, the Council also includes the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Director-General of NITDA, and representatives from the Nigeria Computer Society and the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria. The addition of the four elected startup leaders brings ecosystem representation directly into the highest levels of digital innovation governance.
Challenges and Expectations Ahead
While the election of the SCF representatives marks tangible progress, experts emphasize that successful implementation remains the real challenge. Many of the Act’s incentives, such as tax reliefs, funding access, and the startup labeling process, have seen slow rollout due to coordination and resource constraints. Stakeholders argue that consistent engagement between public and private actors will be critical in ensuring that the Council’s initiatives translate into measurable outcomes for startups across Nigeria.
The election of Nigeria’s startup representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a major step in operationalizing the Startup Act’s vision. By bringing founders and ecosystem builders into the policymaking process, the country is moving closer to a more inclusive and innovation-oriented digital economy. If effectively implemented, this collaboration between government and innovators could help unlock Nigeria’s full potential as a regional leader in technology and entrepreneurship.