Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat partners ONE Campaign on implementation of tech initiative in states

THE Nigeria Startup Act secretariat has partnered with ONE Campaign to engage state governments across Nigeria on the adoption of the Nigeria Startup Act.

In the first phase of the engagement, the secretariat will organise ecosystem events in six states, Kwara, Ondo, Osun, Kano, Plateau and Oyo, to consult with critical startup stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, on the strategies to domesticate and adopt the Act.

The Nigeria Startup Act is a national policy framework that seeks to create an enabling environment for technology-enabled startups and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The Act provides for establishing innovation hubs, startup fund, technology parks, and other support structures that will help startups thrive in the Nigerian economy.

In a remark, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Transformation and Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat Lead, Mr Oswald Guobadia, stated that the state adoption programme will not only build an innovation and technology ecosystem in all underserved areas, but will also turn Nigeria into a country that produces technology solutions.

Commenting on the need for states to adopt the Act and use it to catalyse digital economic growth, Nigeria Country Director at ONE Campaign, Stanley Achonu, said: “The Startup Act has the potential to stimulate the digital economy, promote economic growth, and reduce unemployment by creating new jobs.”

Achonu said: “While the Federal Government has taken a step in the right direction by enacting the legislation, its ultimate success hinges on its implementation at the state level. Therefore, it is crucial for state governments to not only adopt the Act but also tailor it to their specific needs and take active steps to implement it effectively.”

Also, the State Adoption Lead at the Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat, Mrs Tracy Isaac, noted that the Act is a game-changer for startups in Nigeria and will help to unlock the full potential of the Nigerian economy.

She reiterated that for Nigeria to be a digital economy giant, young people in states must be fully empowered to become technology solution entrepreneurs and producers.

The Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat and the ONE Campaign called on all stakeholders at the subnational level to continue to work together to create an enabling environment for startups to thrive through the speedy adoption of the Startup Act.