NITDA Seeks Stronger Regulatory Collaboration To Drive National Regulatory Sandbox
….moves to fast-track national regulatory sandbox
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for stronger collaboration among regulators to accelerate Nigeria’s National Regulatory Sandbox, saying inter-agency cooperation is key to an innovation-friendly ecosystem.
Speaking through the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, at a workshop in Abuja, he said the initiative requires joint efforts to balance innovation with regulatory integrity and public trust.
He described the workshop as a transition from design to implementation, where regulators will refine the governance framework ahead of rollout.
Inuwa said ONDI has completed extensive consultations, ecosystem mapping, and drafted a governance framework, stressing that the sandbox can only succeed through collective ownership by regulators.
He explained that the Technical Working Group brings agencies together to design a model suited to Nigeria’s innovation landscape, and that the workshop will review and improve the framework for inclusivity and effectiveness.
While noting differing regulatory mandates, he said they should be seen as complementary strengths for a flexible system that can respond to emerging technologies.
He added that the engagement will define implementation steps, strengthen partnerships, and identify priorities for operationalising the sandbox.
Inuwa expressed optimism that the workshop will build a shared vision and enable safe testing and scaling of new technologies under proper oversight, while commending stakeholders for their commitment to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The implementing partner, Druve, represented by Ms. Ojonoka Yusufu, said the sandbox will provide a coordinated platform for regulators and innovators to test technologies while ensuring compliance.
She said the workshop aims to align stakeholders, agree on the operating model, address gaps, and define next steps.
Yusufu noted that Nigeria’s ICT sector is a major GDP contributor and its startup ecosystem is attracting global investment, expanding into sectors like health, mobility, and agriculture, making regulatory coordination more important.
She added that the sandbox, backed by the Nigeria Startup Act, will strengthen responsible innovation and complement existing regulators as a multi-agency governance framework.
