The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside leading technology firms Tecno, Hyperspace and Digital Realty, will headline the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative & Scientific Conference on July 23, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide With Scientific Innovation,” will bring together government agencies, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to explore how science, technology and innovation can accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and global competitiveness.
NITRA Chairman, Chike Onwuegbuchi, said the conference is designed to provide a platform for stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss policies that will strengthen scientific innovation, deepen collaboration between local and international institutions, and promote grassroots technological development.
According to him, the Federal Government has demonstrated a growing commitment to building an innovation-driven economy through strategic programmes and partnerships aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leader in next-generation technologies.
He noted that scientific and digital innovation have become essential to national development, influencing economic growth, security, healthcare, governance, communications and global competitiveness.
“The government has recognised the need to create an ecosystem where innovation can thrive through investments in research institutions, strategic partnerships and the development of skilled professionals,” Onwuegbuchi said.
He pointed to key government initiatives, including the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), which aims to mobilise about $500 million annually to support research and commercialise scientific discoveries. He also highlighted the Nigeria Genomic City project, a multi-ministerial initiative designed to establish Nigeria as a hub for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine while strengthening indigenous data protection and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.
NITRA General Secretary, Chidiebere Nwankwo, said the conference will also serve as a platform for policymakers to engage directly with the public through the media, helping to deepen awareness of the role of innovation in national development.
According to him, discussions will focus on strategies for sustaining Nigeria’s digital growth through scientific research, technological innovation and effective policy implementation.
Founded in 2013, NITRA is the umbrella body for journalists covering information and communications technology (ICT) in Nigeria. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the association promotes ICT development through quality reporting, stakeholder engagement, training, conferences and capacity-building initiatives.
With its national secretariat in Lagos and a chapter in Abuja, the association continues to champion informed discourse on technology, digital transformation and innovation across Nigeria.
