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Nigeria Bags Global and Regional Honours at OGP Summit
Nigeria has reinforced its position as a continental leader in digital governance following the formal presentation of awards and certificates won at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit Spain 2025 to the leadership of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
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At the summit held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Nigeria emerged as the overall global winner in the Digital Governance category, in recognition of its effective use of digital tools and policy frameworks to promote transparency, accountability and citizen engagement. The country also clinched the Regional Award for Open Digital Governance across Africa and the Middle East, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping open government practices in the digital age.
NITDA’s Leadership and Civil Society Collaboration Recognised
The global recognition was largely attributed to digital governance initiatives driven by NITDA, working in close collaboration with civil society organisations such as Dataphyte, which showcased inclusive and innovative governance solutions during the summit.
The OGP Global Summit attracted over 1,500 high-level government officials, civil society leaders and policymakers from across the world, providing a platform to exchange best practices on open governance, transparency reforms and digital inclusion.
DG: Award Reflects National Effort, Not Institutional Glory
Receiving the OGP delegation at NITDA headquarters, Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi described the honours as a national achievement, rather than recognition for NITDA alone.
“This is not just about NITDA. It is a national recognition, and every recognition comes with responsibility,” Abdullahi said, stressing that the success reflects a collective effort involving government institutions, civil society and the private sector.
He cautioned that failure to deliver on Nigeria’s commitments under the OGP framework could affect the country’s credibility both locally and internationally.
Aligning Digital Governance with the Renewed Hope Agenda
Abdullahi linked the awards directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that digital transformation, transparency, economic diversification, job creation and efficient public service delivery remain central pillars of the administration.
According to him, deploying digital technologies to strengthen openness and accountability is critical to building trust between government and citizens, while improving institutional effectiveness.
OGP Platform as Catalyst for Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Emphasising collaboration, the NITDA boss highlighted the OGP platform as a catalyst for strengthening Nigeria’s multi-stakeholder digital ecosystem.
He called on civil society organisations, development partners, private sector players and other government agencies to provide technical support, guidance and sustained engagement to ensure effective implementation of OGP commitments.
“A multi-stakeholder approach in the digital space is critical to fostering a resilient ecosystem that delivers real value to citizens,” he said.
Implementation Strategy and Oversight Mechanisms Unveiled
Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA has commenced an internal review of its OGP commitments and has mandated its representatives, including Dr. Rousseau, to develop a clear execution strategy in collaboration with stakeholders.
He proposed the establishment of joint work streams to support implementation, enhance accountability and maintain momentum across all commitments.
“With commitment, nothing is impossible. Oversight and collaboration help us stay focused,” he added, reaffirming NITDA’s readiness to deliver on its obligations.
OGP Delegation Commends NITDA’s Role
Earlier, Mr. Olusoji Apampa, who led the OGP delegation, said the honours were earned through a strong partnership between government and civil society, with NITDA playing a pivotal role in advancing digital governance reforms.
Apampa expressed confidence that the awards would further energise stakeholders and accelerate the practical implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital governance landscape.
Celebrating Milestones, Reinforcing Momentum
Abdullahi welcomed plans to brief Nigeria’s political leadership, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and President Tinubu, noting that celebrating milestones reinforces morale and signals global recognition of Nigeria’s digital governance efforts.
“The little things we are doing are being noticed globally, and that is worth celebrating,” he said.
