The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has announced the election of four representatives of the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) to serve on the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE) for the next two years.

The Startup Consultative Forum, established under the Nigeria Startup Act, serves as a structured platform that brings together key stakeholders in the country’s startup ecosystem to engage government, address challenges, shape policies, and drive innovation.

The newly elected representatives are:

• Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner of Future Africa and Co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave;
• Victoria Manya, Co-founder and Executive Director at Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API);
• Charles Uchenna Emembolu, Founder of TechQuest STEM Academy and Roar Nigeria Hub; and
• Abba Ibrahim Gamawa, Founder of Go Agent Limited.

NITDA says the election marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, reinforcing the government’s commitment to deepen collaboration with innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors in shaping policies that advance the nation’s digital economy.

Highlighting the importance of the development, NITDA described it as a reflection of its resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“This demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to strengthening the digital innovation ecosystem by championing increased collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and other ecosystem stakeholders — paving the way for a brighter digital future,” NITDA says.

According to the tech agency, the elected representatives will play a vital role in ensuring that startup founders and innovators have a voice in policy formulation and implementation.

“Their contributions will help shape Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, promote inclusivity, and ensure that innovation yields tangible economic and social impacts across the country,” NITDA stated.

The agency added that the representatives will provide input and proposals to the Council, monitor implementation progress, and align policy outcomes with the objectives of the Startup Act.

The National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship serves as a key governance structure under the Nigeria Startup Act, responsible for guiding policy directions, coordinating implementation frameworks, and supporting the growth and technological advancement of startups across the country.

NITDA says the newly elected representatives will bring their expertise and experience to bear in helping Nigeria achieve the Startup Act’s objectives and accelerate the country’s growth as a competitive global technology hub.