The GovTech Nigeria Digital Public Infrastructure Readiness Outlook 2026 calls for a whole-of-government approach toward building a digital-first republic that serves everyday Nigerians. The Outlook assesses the readiness of subnational governments and invites partners, as well as the three arms of government, to collaborate with GovTech Africa in co-creating a digital-first government. “Excerpts from remarks by Umoh Edet @umoheedet, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy , at the Unveiling of the Nigeria Digital Public Infrastructure Readiness Outlook 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Digital First Governance cannot be delivered by policy alone. It demands infrastructure, capital, technical capacity and partnerships that are structured for the long term. Under the theme — “Building the Digital Backbone of Government: Innovation, Investment, and Global Expertise for Sustainable Governance”, this combined panel converged ideas on how local technology capacity, innovative financing and the global expertise of development partners can combine to build the digital backbone that the modern Nigerian government requires. Panelists emphasized the importance of supporting and celebrating local innovation, ensuring technology sovereignty, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility to build a resilient, future-ready digital backbone for government. L–R: ‘Deremi Atanda @DeRemi - MD/CEO, Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL) @RemitaNET ; Abubakar Mohammed Abdullahi - Acting Head, Special Duties and Programs Unit, Bureau of Public Service Reforms @bpsr_ng ; Akinkumi Ogunsola - Principal Architect, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) @NIBSS_NG ; Mrs. Gloria Ahmed - National Coordinator, Open Government Partnership (OGP) Nigeria @ogpnigeria ; Akintayo Ayodele-Bamisaye - Group Head, Research, Digital Innovation and Skills Department, Galaxy Backbone Ltd; and Umoh Edet @umohedet333 - Head, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Govtech Africa Inc. (Moderator) at the recently convened National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovTechAfrica

Digital transformation is a whole-of-government responsibility. From the courts to the civil service and the data protection regulator, this session highlighted the shared role of public institutions in building systems that are efficient, accountable, and trusted. L-R: Hajiya Zaenab Garba Muhammed - Deputy Chief Registrar , Supreme Court of Nigeria @SupremeCourtNg ; Dr Gideon Adogbo @GideonAdogbo - Senior Technical Advisor to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation @OHCSF_NGR ; Mr Babatunde Bamigboye - Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission @ndpcngr ; and Blessing Ajimoti @BlessingAjimoti - Principal Consultant, Public Digital (moderator) at the recently convened National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovTechAfrica

“Let me first thank the organisers of this important event, especially Govtech Africa, which has become an indispensable partner in our journey to transform the public sector, and both the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, for providing the intellectual and legislative underpinning for this conversation to flourish.” Highlights of remarks by the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives @HouseNGR, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas @ngrspeakerabbas, delivered by the official Spokesperson at the House of Representatives, Hon Akin Rotimi Jnr. @repakinrotimijr at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovTechAfrica

“The theme of this Roundtable: Digital First Governance, is a strategic posture. It demands that we stop treating technology as an afterthought, a modernisation exercise, or a donor-funded pilot project. It demands instead that we embed digital thinking into the very architecture of how government is designed, how services are structured, and how citizens are engaged. As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am acutely aware that this Roundtable convenes at a moment when Nigeria has before it a historic legislative opportunity: the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill… …The Office of the Deputy Speaker co-convened this Roundtable precisely because we believe that the insights emerging from this room must inform that legislative process.” — Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, CFR @OfficialBenKalu delivering the Convener’s Keynote Address at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable Co-convened in collaboration with @govtech_africa and @naltf_ng on Monday 30th March, 2026 at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovTechAfrica

“The first pillar of digital public infrastructure is what we call digital identity. A secure, verifiable and unique digital identity is the key that unlocks access to government services. Without it, we cannot know who our citizens are, nor ensure that services reach the intended beneficiaries”. Highlights of the Keynote Address by Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Communications @FMCIDENigeria , Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani @bosuntijani , delivered by Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju @IbrahimAdeyanju , MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Ltd at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

“The National Assembly Library remains committed to public policy dialogues like this... I encourage us all to take advantage of today’s dialogue to deepen governance, democracy, and conversations that will move Nigeria, and indeed Africa, forward”. — Hon. Henry Nwawuba @NwawubaRt , Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre @naltf_ng delivering his welcome remarks as co-Convener of the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

“Digital transformation is not a standalone initiative. It is a central pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), and one of the clearest demonstrations of how reform can move from strategy to execution”. — Excerpts from the remarks of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation @OHCSF_NGR , Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack @Didi_WalsonJack , OON, mni, delivered by her Senior Technical Advisor, Dr. Gideon Adogbo @GideonAdogbo #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu @Princessmaudu Director General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council @PEBECgovng , delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

L-R: Govtech Africa’s Director for Africa — Fortune Toma @toma_fortune ; representative of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy @bosuntijani , and Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Ltd — Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju @IbrahimAdeyanju ; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives— H.E. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu @OfficialBenKalu , PhD, CFR; representative of the Speaker and official Spokesperson, House of Representatives — Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr. standing for the National Anthem at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

“If there is a lesson from Rwanda’s journey, it is this: paperless government is not a single project but a stack of intentional choices, laws that create trust, infrastructure that enables scale, services that center the user, and programs that build capability. Get the sequence right, measure and be rigorous about inclusion and accountability. That is how technology becomes governance, and governance becomes public value”. H.E. Amb. Moses Rugema @MosesRugema , High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria @RwandainNigeria sharing his remarks at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

"As Nigeria moves further on its digital governance agenda, Finland is proud to be a partner. We believe that Nigeria has the talent, the vision, and the leadership to build modern digital states State, one that improves public services, strengthens transparency and create new opportunities for citizens and businesses." Her Excellency, Sanna Selin @SannaSelin3 , Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria @Finland_Nigeria delivering her remarks at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

“Over the course of today's discussion, we will explore how Nigeria can move from isolated digital initiatives to a truly integrated whole of government approach. We will examine how policies can enable innovation while safeguarding public trust. And we will identify the building blocks required to institutionalize digital-first governance at scale. Welcome to the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026”. Toma Fortune @toma_fortune , our Director for Africa, delivering the opening remarks at the National Govtech Policy Roundtable 2026. #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance GovTechAfrica

Meet Dr. Salome Osia, who will serve as a Panelist at the second Panel Session – “Building the Digital Backbone of Government: Innovation, Investment and Global Expertise for Sustainable Governance” at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. As this combined panel brings together public and private sector leaders, her contribution will support conversations on how strategic collaboration, forward-thinking innovation, and sustainable investment can drive the development of resilient, future-ready digital governance systems. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Blessing O. Ajimoti, who will serve as Moderator for the first Panel Session – “Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage, Deliver” at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. As she guides this public sector-focused dialogue, she will steer conversations among senior government leaders and policymakers, drawing out practical insights on institutional reform, service delivery, and building a government that is truly digital-first and citizen-centric. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Olatunji Vincent, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), who will serve as a Panelist at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. At the forefront of Nigeria’s data protection and privacy framework, his insights will shape conversations on safeguarding citizen data, strengthening regulatory compliance, and building secure digital systems that inspire public confidence. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Kabir Eniola Akanbi, Esq., Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who will serve as a Panelist at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. At the heart of judicial administration, his insights will shape conversations on how digital transformation can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within Nigeria’s justice system, strengthening public trust and institutional effectiveness. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu , Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), who will serve as a Panelist at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. At the forefront of reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business in Nigeria, her insights will shape conversations on streamlining government processes, enhancing service delivery, and leveraging digital tools to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Mr. Deremi Atanda @DeRemi , Managing Director/CEO of Remita Payment Services Limited, who will serve as a Panelist at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. At the intersection of fintech and public service delivery, his insights will shape conversations on building efficient payment systems, improving revenue collection, and enabling secure, user-friendly digital interactions between governments and citizens. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica

Meet Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Ahmed, National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership, who will serve as a Panelist at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026. At the forefront of advancing open governance in Nigeria, her insights will shape conversations on transparency, citizen engagement, and how digital tools can strengthen accountability and public trust in government systems. Theme: Digital First Governance: Rethinking How Nigerian Governments Serve, Engage and Deliver Date: Monday, 30th March, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Three Arms Zone, FCT-Abuja #DigitalFirstGovernance #NationalGovTechPolicyRoundtable #NGPR #DigitalGovernance #GovtechAfrica