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By Chinenye Anuforo
Concerns over Nigeria’s growing dependence on foreign digital infrastructure, internet security vulnerabilities and data sovereignty have continued to shape conversations around the future of the country’s digital economy.
Stakeholders warn that heavy reliance on offshore digital systems and external data routing could pose risks to national security, weaken economic value retention and limit Nigeria’s ability to fully control its digital ecosystem.
Against this backdrop, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has announced plans for the third edition of its flagship digital economy forum, Tech Convergence 3.0, aimed at advancing discussions and policy actions on digital independence and internet governance.
The event, scheduled for June 2, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, will bring together policymakers, technology innovators, cybersecurity experts, legal practitioners, investors and civil society groups to examine Nigeria’s digital future.
Organised under the theme, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Independence: The Role of Policy, Digital Identity and .ng for Economic Growth,” the forum comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking stronger digital resilience and greater participation in the global digital economy.
NiRA noted that although Nigeria remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology markets, structural challenges continue to threaten the pace and sustainability of digital transformation.
The association referenced concerns that a substantial volume of internet traffic generated across Africa is still routed through offshore servers, raising questions about data protection, sovereignty and economic leakage.
President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, described the forthcoming gathering as a critical intervention for Nigeria’s digital future.
According to him, “Nigeria is at an inflection point in its digital journey, and the decisions we make now on policy, infrastructure, identity and internet security will define our digital economy for the next generation.”
He added that NiRA is committed to ensuring that deliberations at the event produce measurable outcomes and practical policy recommendations.
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The conference programme will feature keynote speeches, expert presentations and panel discussions designed to generate actionable solutions.
Among the major sessions is “From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Nigeria’s Digital Economy Through Identity, Infrastructure and .ng,” which will examine regulatory and policy frameworks needed to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential.
Participants will also deliberate on “Are We Building Nigeria’s Internet or Renting It?” a presentation expected to evaluate Nigeria’s reliance on foreign digital infrastructure and its economic implications.
Cybersecurity will also receive attention through discussions on the deployment of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) across sectors such as finance, telecommunications and government institutions.
Another presentation, “The 90% Offshore Data Risk: Myth, Threat or Opportunity?” will assess Nigeria’s data localisation challenge and explore emerging opportunities within the domestic infrastructure ecosystem.
Chairman of the Tech Convergence Committee and Executive Director of NiRA, Mr. Seun Kehinde, said the 2026 edition has been deliberately designed to deliver implementation-focused outcomes.
“We are not here to repeat the same conversations. Every session has been built around a specific, actionable outcome,” he said.
The event will conclude with the adoption of the Tech Convergence 3.0 Communiqué containing recommendations and institutional commitments expected to be forwarded to relevant government ministries and regulatory agencies.
Confirmed speakers include Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GigaLayer, Ahmad Mukoshy; Founding Partner of Johnson & Wilner LLP, Basil Udotai; Director of e-Government and Digital Economy at NITDA, Engr. Salisu Kaka; cybersecurity expert, Dr. Muktar Bello; and Vice President, Cybersecurity at Canada Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), Jon Ferguson.
Others are Vice Chair of ICANN ccNSO, Biyi Oladipo; Chief Executive Officer of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Muhammed Rudman; Founder of Women in Tech in Nigeria, Martha Alade; Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju; and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida.
Chief Operating Officer of NiRA, Ms. Seyi Onasanya, said the calibre of speakers reflects the importance of the forum and the urgency of discussions around digital governance.
NiRA, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing Nigeria’s .ng country code top-level domain, said the forum builds on the success of earlier editions that collectively attracted over 1,500 participants and helped shape conversations around digital policy and infrastructure development.
The event will also feature an exhibition showcasing Nigerian technology companies, startups and digital infrastructure providers.
