The National Information Technology Development Agency has commenced full implementation of the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative (NSCI), signalling a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital independence and safeguarding critical data infrastructure.
The agency recently hosted a high-level stakeholders’ workshop aimed at reviewing and validating the policy and technical frameworks that will guide Nigeria’s transition to a nationally governed cloud ecosystem. The engagement marked a shift from basic cloud adoption to a more structured pursuit of digital sovereignty.
Speaking at the workshop, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria must decisively migrate from fragmented on-site servers to scalable cloud-based systems capable of handling growing data volumes and supporting interconnected public and private digital services.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond technology deployment, stressing that the ultimate goal is to protect sensitive national infrastructure, enhance resilience against disruptions, and ensure that Nigeria retains economic value from its digital assets.
According to him, the NSCI is designed as a collaborative, rather than protectionist, framework. He noted that the model encourages partnerships with global hyperscale providers while strengthening indigenous cloud companies and creating incentives for sustained private-sector investment and local capacity building.
The Director-General added that the programme aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in advancing national security and driving economic diversification through digitisation, industrial growth and innovation.
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As part of the implementation phase, three core instruments have been developed for stakeholder adoption: the National Cloud-First Guidelines, the National Cloud Technical Guidelines and the National Cloud Investment Strategy. Together, they outline policy direction, operational standards and investment pathways for scaling Nigeria’s cloud ecosystem sustainably.
The initiative builds on the foundation laid in 2019 with the introduction of the National Cloud Computing Policy, which accelerated cloud adoption across government institutions. Between 2019 and 2024, usage expanded significantly, supported by global providers and emerging local firms. However, authorities determined that long-term sustainability required clearer governance structures and stronger sovereign controls.
Deliberations at the recent workshop, including plenary discussions and expert contributions, are expected to shape final adjustments and set priorities for nationwide rollout.
Through the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, Nigeria aims to establish a secure, trusted and globally competitive cloud environment firmly rooted in national interest and economic resilience.
