NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) POLICY
Policy · Technology
Policy date: 2020-01-01
A Policy provides a framework for the development and regulation of information and communication technology across Nigeria. It targets ICT industry players, government agencies, and educational institutions to promote digital services. This aims to build a knowledge-based economy and improve access to technology.
NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) POLICY
What Is This Policy?
Nigeria's overarching policy document providing the framework for ICT development, regulation, and deployment across all sectors of the Nigerian economy and society.
Who Does It Target?
ICT industry players (telecoms, software, hardware) Government agencies adopting ICT for service delivery Educational institutions offering ICT programmes All Nigerians as users of ICT services
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Harness ICT as an enabler of social and economic development in Nigeria, promote a knowledge-based economy, ensure universal access to ICT services, and position Nigeria as an African technology leader.
Key Features
ICT Infrastructure: Promotes investment in broadband, data centres, and digital infrastructure as public goods. Regulatory Environment: Provides for enabling regulation that promotes competition and innovation in ICT. Local Industry: Supports development of locally owned and locally developed ICT products and services. Digital Skills: Promotes ICT literacy and education from primary through tertiary levels.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide ICT sector Beneficiaries: All Nigerians; ICT industry; digital economy Funding: NITDA; Federal Government; private investment
How to Access
ICT companies: comply with NCC and NITDA regulations MDAs: align ICT investments with the national ICT policy Citizens: access ICT development programmes through government and private providers Application method: Access at https://www.communications.gov.ng
Important Terms
The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030 provides the current strategic framework The ICT Policy is reviewed periodically to reflect technology developments Sector-specific policies (for telecoms, broadcasting, etc.) supplement the general ICT Policy
Official Resources
Website: https://www.communications.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
Legal Framework
The National Information and Communication Technology Policy operates under the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, and the Electronic Transactions Act. It aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020, the Data Protection Act 2023, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and Nigeria's obligations under the ITU Constitution and Convention on telecommunications development.