Nigerian officials used the GITEX Nigeria 2026 openings in Abuja and Lagos on August 31 and September 2 to seek investment in local computing infrastructure, technology businesses and digital skills.
The Abuja Government Leadership and AI Summit began the programme, followed by an exhibition and startup events in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre. KAOUN International organised the event with support from Nigeria’s communications ministry and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Okay News reports that NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi linked Nigeria’s digital sovereignty ambitions to its ability to develop technology, train workers and control the infrastructure used to process data.
At the Abuja opening, Inuwa identified digital literacy, technical training and expanded connectivity as foundations for that effort. George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also called for more domestic technology production.
In Lagos, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged international companies to establish engineering operations, data centres and regional headquarters in the state.
According to NITDA’s account, Hamzat said Lagos had deployed about 3,000 kilometres of fibre and was working towards a 6,000-kilometre network. He also cited electricity-sector reforms as part of the state’s investment case.
Inuwa said Nigeria’s plans combined infrastructure investment with skills development and support for entrepreneurs. The programme was scheduled to continue in Lagos until September 3.
