Nigeria Targets Infrastructure, Governance, Cybersecurity In WSIS+20 Localisation Drive

Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to localise the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 commitments, reinforcing its drive to accelerate national digital transformation through improved infrastructure, transparent internet governance and strengthened cybersecurity anchored on multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The strategy was unveiled in New York at a Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,” positioning the country as a key contributor to shaping the global digital future.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei, said Nigeria’s approach is aligned with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.

According to him, the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.

Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities. Beyond infrastructure gaps, he highlighted affordability constraints and digital literacy deficits, stressing that addressing these issues remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda.

He explained that the government cannot solely shoulder the burden of nationwide digital infrastructure deployment due to Nigeria’s vast geographical spread, hence the adoption of collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a nationwide fibre-optic project spanning approximately 90,000 kilometres to boost connectivity.

The NITDA Director-General also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan, which has guided broadband expansion in recent years, is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years. The renewed plan, he said, will strategically target increased broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.

On internet governance, Inuwa referenced Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), noting that the country successfully hosts its annual national IGF. He explained that the forum operates on a multi-stakeholder model that brings together government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to promote cooperation and informed policy dialogue.

Cybersecurity, he added, remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts. He cited the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval. These measures, he said, are aimed at mitigating risks associated with increased internet use and protecting users as well as critical digital infrastructure.

Inuwa further underscored Nigeria’s ambition to play a leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement. He emphasised the importance of coordinated national data collection, noting that reliable, country-specific data is essential for tracking progress and projecting Africa’s digital development narrative on the global stage.

He concluded that sustained engagement and follow-up actions arising from the WSIS+20 review would strengthen digital cooperation among African countries and ensure that global digital commitments translate into tangible national and regional impact.

Stakeholders at the event commended Nigeria’s digital initiatives, acknowledging the country’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Earlier, the Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), Ms. Jennifer Chung, praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based, multi-stakeholder delegation and for its commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.

Chung highlighted the increasing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms, noting that platforms such as the annual IGF, National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs) and youth-led forums are critical for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

She described the WSIS+20 review as a crucial step towards effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South. According to her, these measures are vital to achieving WSIS targets and ensuring that no region is left behind.

Drawing parallels with the Asia-Pacific region, Chung noted that challenges around affordable and meaningful connectivity persist across developing economies. She stressed that expanding broadband penetration and reducing access costs are essential to closing digital divides in Africa, Asia-Pacific and other parts of the Global South.

She also underscored the need to enable active citizen participation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and future innovations such as quantum technologies, adding that inclusive digital access is key to maximising the benefits of digital transformation.

Reflecting on the WSIS+20 review process, Chung commended the innovative and inclusive approach adopted through the informal multi-stakeholder sounding board, describing it as one of the first of its kind in global digital governance. She called for sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to translate the WSIS vision from global commitments into local action.