The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has underscored the need for accelerated investment in digital infrastructure, describing it as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and long-term economic growth.
The agency made the call at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja. The conference, themed “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, business leaders and industry stakeholders to explore strategies for unlocking private investment in critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the conference, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said digital infrastructure must be treated as an integral component of national infrastructure planning, noting that the increasing digitisation of industries and public services makes its integration with conventional infrastructure imperative.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. Today, organisations and industries are becoming increasingly digital, and technology is deeply integrated into every aspect of our economy. As we build conventional infrastructure, we must also embed digital infrastructure to support future growth,” he said.
According to Inuwa, integrated infrastructure is essential for enhancing industrial productivity, building resilient cities, improving service delivery and creating sustainable communities capable of competing in the global digital economy.
He commended the Federal Government for encouraging greater participation of the organised private sector in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), describing the approach as critical to achieving sustainable development.
The NITDA Director General reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the government’s PPP agenda, particularly in the area of digital infrastructure development.
“The government has created opportunities for the private sector to participate in infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships. NITDA is ready to work with NACCIMA and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. We are already collaborating with NACCIMA on initiatives to digitise its operations and infrastructure,” he added.
In his welcome address, the President of NACCIMA, **Engr. Jani Ibrahim**, described INFRACON 2026 as a strategic platform established to mobilise private capital, foster innovation and strengthen partnerships capable of bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap.
He urged participants to move beyond discussions by embracing collaboration and practical solutions that would unlock investment opportunities and accelerate infrastructure delivery across key sectors of the economy.
According to Ibrahim, NACCIMA is intensifying efforts to identify credible investment partners, promote bankable infrastructure projects and monitor progress towards achieving Nigeria’s long-term economic aspirations.
He disclosed that this year’s conference focused on critical sectors including power and electricity, maritime and the blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for enhanced national productivity, as well as industrialisation and export-led growth.
Expressing appreciation to participants and development partners, Ibrahim reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to working with government and the private sector to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital and infrastructure investment.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital required to build infrastructure that drives industrialisation, expands exports, creates jobs and delivers sustainable prosperity. Together, we can lay the foundation for Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy,” he said.
The conference highlighted the growing consensus among government and private sector stakeholders that sustained investment in both digital and physical infrastructure will be pivotal to Nigeria’s economic transformation, improved competitiveness and inclusive growth.
