By Stella Odueme
The Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Olusola Obadimu, has said Nigeria's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 depends largely on its ability to translate digital innovation into productivity, industrial growth, investment and employment.
Obadimu stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, held at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions about technological advancement and focus on converting innovation into tangible economic benefits, including increased productivity, industrialisation, export expansion and job creation.
According to him, Nigeria's economic transformation cannot be achieved through government intervention alone but must be driven by productive enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, trade and services.
He identified Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as critical to achieving the country's economic growth target, stressing that digital policies must improve their productivity and competitiveness.
The NACCIMA chief also described the partnership between his organisation and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as strategic to bridging the gap between technological innovation and commercialisation.
Speaking at the conference, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia, innovators and development partners to accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation.
According to the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, in a statement on Thursday, he described the digital economy as a major driver of national development and competitiveness, noting that emerging technologies were rapidly transforming businesses and industries globally.
He said Nigeria had the human capital, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capacity to become a leading digital economy but required deliberate investment in skills development, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships.
He explained that the conference was structured around four strategic pillars focusing on identifying the people who would build Nigeria's digital future, determining how to achieve the vision, equipping citizens with relevant digital skills and recognising excellence across the technology ecosystem.
One of the major highlights was the Builders Festival, which showcased efforts to connect Nigerian innovators with real-world challenges, funding and business opportunities.
Presenting insights on the initiative, Glory Olamigoke and David Ogobe said the programme was designed to move innovation beyond ideas to practical solutions by inviting companies and institutions to submit operational challenges for technology-driven interventions.
They disclosed that more than 1,500 innovators applied to participate, out of which 30 finalists emerged following a rigorous selection process.
The finalists developed prototypes for presentation to investors, industry leaders and judges, with the eventual winner receiving a $50,000 equity-free grant, alongside mentorship and institutional support.
Other outstanding participants received grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
The initiative also provided participants with access to investors, regulators, industry experts and business development networks to support the commercialisation and expansion of their innovations.
On the security implications of digital transformation, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General E.S. Mustapha, representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, called for increased investment in cybersecurity and digital resilience.
He warned that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies had created additional cybersecurity risks and national security challenges.
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, represented by Commissioner of Police Ayodele Oluyemi, highlighted the increasing importance of artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital forensics and secure communication systems in modern policing.
He called for stronger partnerships to address security threats associated with the expanding digital environment.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, represented by the Head of Innovation Department, Adaobi Nwankwo, reaffirmed the commission's commitment to data privacy, responsible data governance and digital trust.
He stressed that public confidence was essential to successful digital transformation, particularly as governments, businesses and citizens increasingly depended on digital platforms.
Also speaking, Paul Apiade, who represented the Federal Character Commission, said digital transformation must promote equal opportunities and prevent new forms of exclusion.
He emphasised the need to ensure that Nigerians, irrespective of geographical location, gender or social background, benefit from opportunities created by the digital economy.
Apiade identified cybersecurity, data protection and digital trust as essential components of an inclusive digital future.
The conference featured discussions, exhibitions, masterclasses and innovation showcases, with participants emphasising the need to connect technological innovation with industry, investment, employment and practical economic outcomes.
Stakeholders maintained that Nigeria's success in building a competitive digital economy would ultimately be measured by the businesses created, technologies commercialised, investments attracted, jobs generated and lives improved through digital innovation.