Nigeria Must Invest in ICT to Become a Tech Hub, Expert Warns

Professor Samson Afolabi Arekete, an artificial intelligence and computer science expert at Redeemer’s University, has urged the Nigerian government and private sector to invest more in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He argues that without significant investment, Nigeria will struggle to compete with global tech hubs like India and China. Arekete made the statement at a technology summit in Lagos on March 30, 2025. The event, attended by policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and industry experts, focused on Nigeria’s digital future and the challenges slowing its progress. Arekete, a leading academic in AI and software development, has been vocal about Nigeria’s tech potential. His call for increased ICT funding is directed at the federal government, private investors, and local startups that could drive innovation if given adequate support.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, yet its tech sector lags behind nations like South Africa and Egypt. Despite a booming fintech industry, the country’s overall ICT infrastructure remains weak, with unreliable internet, poor funding for research, and slow adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. Many in Nigeria’s tech community agree with Arekete, citing the lack of government support for startups and outdated ICT policies as key barriers to growth. However, some critics argue that Nigeria’s tech scene is already growing organically, with startups like Flutterwave and Andela achieving global recognition without massive government intervention.

While most reports highlight Nigeria’s need for ICT investment, few address the deeper issue—policy inconsistency. Nigeria has launched multiple tech initiatives over the years, but many fail due to poor execution, corruption, or lack of follow-through. Additionally, there’s little discussion on how Nigeria can attract foreign tech investors. Countries like Kenya and Ghana have built favorable regulatory environments to attract international tech firms, while Nigeria still struggles with bureaucratic red tape and unpredictable policies. If Nigeria truly wants to become a tech hub, it must create an ecosystem where both local and international players feel confident to invest long-term.