The much-anticipated Startup Consultative Forum (SCF), a key platform designed to drive the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) and foster a stronger tech startup ecosystem, has officially been launched. Speaking at the inauguration, Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), represented by Mr. Emmanuel Edet, said the forum signifies a shift from mere stakeholder engagement to a structured commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven governance. He stressed that the NSA is more than a piece of legislation—it is a roadmap for national development with startups playing a central role.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s efforts in advancing the Act’s implementation over the past eight months. These include hosting stakeholder workshops in 10 states, participating in major tech events like Lagos Tech Week, Moonlight Conference, Omniverse Summit, and Akwa Ibom Tech Week, as well as organizing awareness campaigns to deepen understanding of the NSA. He said the forum would serve as a feedback mechanism to identify regulatory gaps, shape policy reforms, and promote a more supportive environment for startups under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
While inaugurating the Forum members on behalf of the DG, Oladejo Olawunmi, NITDA’s Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, charged them to see the platform as a springboard for policy-driven innovation. He called on members to transform ideas into actionable outcomes that would leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s tech landscape. Similarly, Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), described the forum as a “structured dialogue between those building the future and those enabling it.” She outlined five pillars for success—funding access, capacity building, supportive policy, inclusive innovation, and global competitiveness.
Fabunmi further urged stakeholders to ensure the forum functions as a problem-solving platform rather than a mere talk shop. She encouraged startups to raise their voices, private sector actors to contribute more than capital, and government bodies to harmonise efforts for collective growth. The virtual event was attended by ecosystem stakeholders, including private sector players, development partners, angel investors, venture capital firms, and verified labelled startups. With the forum now in motion, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to turning policy into tangible impact, placing startups at the core of Nigeria’s digital and innovation journey.