To unlock true economic potential, the nation must fuse its physical developments with robust digital infrastructure, as Nigeria’s march toward industrialisation cannot rely on brick and mortar alone.
This is the position of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the maiden Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), hosted by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja.
The conference gathered key stakeholders under the theme, “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed that the traditional definition of infrastructure is rapidly evolving. In an era where every industry is digitising, physical roads, ports, and factories must be smart and interconnected.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital into the conventional infrastructure we are building,” he said.
He pointed out that integrating digital capabilities into conventional projects is no longer optional. Rather, it is the bedrock for building efficient cities, expanding industrial capacity, and ensuring long-term community well-being.
A key focus of the conference was bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gap through collaborative funding. The NITDA boss praised the federal government’s proactive stance in supporting the organised private sector.
To turn these plans into reality, NITDA pledged its full support to help NACCIMA and other stakeholders navigate the federal government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
Earlier in the summit, NACCIMA President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, welcomed delegates by framing INFRACON 2026 as the country’s premier launchpad for mobilising private capital and fostering strategic partnerships.
Ibrahim urged attendees to shift from discussion to rapid execution, noting that NACCIMA is actively identifying committed partners and investment-ready projects to hit national economic targets.
Ibrahim closed with a bold vision of unity, calling on all sponsors and participants to help position Nigeria as Africa’s crown jewel for digital investment.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs, and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy,” Ibrahim said.