The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has signed a fresh agreement with Itana, Nigeria’s first government-licensed digital economic zone operator. The aim is to boost digital trade, create jobs, and attract big technology companies from around the world to Nigeria.
Itana, which is backed by the Africa Finance Corporation, is currently working on a $100 million digital zone project. The digital zone will allow international companies to register and run their businesses remotely without setting up physical offices in Nigeria. This means foreign companies can start operations easily and get direct access to Nigeria’s talent and markets from anywhere in the world.
The agreement was signed under the National Talent Export Programme, also known as NATEP. It confirms the federal government’s commitment to supporting Itana’s vision of turning Nigeria into a leading base for global tech companies looking to enter the African market.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, visited Itana’s site located inside the Alaro City Free Zone in Lagos. During the visit, she explained that the new partnership is part of Nigeria’s push to reform its economy and grow the digital sector.
According to Dr Oduwole, “Two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria is boldly charting a reform-driven path to inclusive growth. We are doing this right here at Alaro City Free Zone, which is now home to Itana, Nigeria’s first Digital Special Economic Zone.”
She said Nigeria is now ready to lead the digital transformation in Africa. Dr Oduwole noted that the global services industry is worth over $1 trillion and still growing, and Nigeria has the right population to take advantage of it.
“Our young people are smart, speak English fluently, and are already familiar with the digital world. This is the future, and we are positioning Nigeria to lead it,” she added.
Through the National Talent Export Programme, the federal government plans to use digital zones like the one Itana is building to create at least 100,000 high-value jobs within the next five years. The plan is part of a larger strategy to make Nigeria a global centre for digital services, especially for tech firms looking to expand into African markets.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties also shows that the government is behind Itana’s mission to help international tech companies enter the Nigerian market with ease. This will not only help grow Nigeria’s economy but also spread innovation and digital access across the continent.
Luqman Edu, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Itana, thanked the minister for the visit and said the company is excited about what lies ahead. He said Itana is ready to play a major role in helping global tech businesses come into Nigeria and tap into the digital potential of Africa.
“Africa is full of opportunities. Our economies are growing, and we have a young population that is digitally skilled and ready to work,” Edu said.
He also noted that the agreement with the government will make it easier for international tech companies to set up operations in Nigeria. According to him, this will make Nigeria the number one destination for global firms that want to do business in Africa.
The partnership between the federal government and Itana is seen by many as a major step toward boosting Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy. With the support of the Africa Finance Corporation and a plan to create thousands of jobs, industry players say this move could set a new pace for digital growth in the country.
More technology investors are expected to take interest in Nigeria as a result of this development, especially with the rising global demand for digital services and Africa’s increasing importance as a tech-driven economy
