The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has described the successful conclusion of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of a robust digital economy and global research leadership.
Hosted in Abuja under the patronage of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the four-day conference brought together global experts, academics, and industry leaders to deliberate on innovative research, technological transformation, and strategic partnerships.
According to NITDA, the event directly supports President Tinubu’s priority of “accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.”
ICEGOV, an initiative of the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) established in 2007, united participants from academia, civil society, international development agencies, and government institutions. The 2025 edition positioned Nigeria at the heart of global digital governance discussions, showcasing the nation’s growing intellectual and technological influence.
A total of 151 scientific papers were submitted by 308 authors from 33 countries, with emerging economies representing 68 percent of participants. Nigeria led the global tally with 102 contributing authors, followed by Brazil, India, Portugal, and Greece.
NITDA noted that this strong participation underscores the agency’s consistent investment in digital talent development, research sponsorship, and ecosystem strengthening — initiatives that are now yielding both local and international recognition.
Okay News reports that the conference also celebrated research excellence through its Best Paper Awards. Robert Ifeonu of the Central Bank of Nigeria won the top award in the Research category for his paper titled “Micro-Transformation Framework for Public Sector Innovation: Catalysing Resilient, Outcome-Driven Digital Governance.” NITDA said this recognition highlights Nigeria’s growing leadership in developing home-grown digital governance models that deliver measurable socio-economic outcomes.
In her closing address, Professor Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, praised NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, for his strategic vision and early endorsement that ensured ICEGOV’s success in Abuja. She noted that NITDA’s effective coordination and local partnerships added “immense global value” and reinforced Africa’s place in digital governance research.
NITDA stated that hosting ICEGOV 2025 delivered “multiple layers of value,” enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a digital innovation hub while spurring new partnerships, investments, and research collaborations.
“The insights shared at ICEGOV will help accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation goals, strengthen public sector efficiency, and deepen our knowledge-driven economy,” the agency said. “The experience has created pathways for better regulatory frameworks, improved service delivery, and greater socio-economic impact.”
As delegates departed Abuja, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum, ensuring that Nigeria remains an active player — and a global influencer — in the ongoing digital governance dialogue.
