8 hours Ago By NewsDirect
By Blessing EmmanuelThe National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced it will commence its Startup Consultative Forum on Monday, marking a key step in the nomination of members to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, commonly known as the Startup Council.This initiative, aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, was revealed by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.According to Umar, the upcoming forum is a significant milestone in fostering deeper stakeholder participation across Nigeria’s vibrant and fast-developing startup sector.
“The forum will act as a dynamic space where startup founders, innovators, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries can engage directly with national policy processes that are designed to stimulate growth, draw investment, and promote digital innovation,” she said.She noted that the forum is being organised under the auspices of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), reinforcing the Federal Government’s strategy to integrate startups into the core of national economic and technological development.Umar further stated that the forum’s agenda includes collaborative discussions aimed at identifying and selecting representatives who will serve on the Startup Council — the highest advisory organ for the country’s startup ecosystem.
“This process will serve as a foundation for building more inclusive policies and ensure that the perspectives of Nigeria’s technology and innovation stakeholders are well represented,” she explained.NITDA has extended an open invitation to all labelled startups, certified innovation hubs and entrepreneurial support organisations, angel investors, venture capitalists, and other relevant parties to take part in the forum. Participation includes eligibility to nominate and vote for candidates to the Council.
“Be part of shaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem,” Umar urged.She also called on stakeholders to collaborate with NITDA in nurturing a robust startup landscape that supports and honours the entrepreneurial ambitions of Nigerian innovators.The public is encouraged to contact NITDA via email at info@nitda.
gov.ng, visit the official website at https://nitda.gov.
ng, or engage on social media through the agency’s handle @nitdanigeria.The Nigeria Startup Act, signed into law on 19 October 2022, provides the legal and institutional structure for startup development in the country. It mandates the formation of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship and introduces supportive measures including a startup seed fund and simplified registration protocols.
NITDA is leading the implementation of the Act in collaboration with multiple stakeholders across the innovation value chain.The post Startup Consultative Forum: NITDA to begin consultations on April 28 appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect..
