The Startup Consultative Forum has elected four representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.

Hadiza Umar, director of corporate communications and media relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency, said this on Monday in a statement.

The NCDIE is the apex governing body established under the NSA to champion the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s startup agenda, overseen by NITDA.

Ms Umar said the elected representatives are Iyinoluwa Aboyeji for South-West, Charles Emembolu for South-East, Abba Gamawa for North-East, and Victoria Manya for North-Central.

“These distinguished individuals will represent the voices of startup founders and innovators from across the country.

“Their inclusion in the council will ensure that grassroots innovators, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders play an active role in shaping policies and strategies that directly impact the growth of the Nigerian startup ecosystem,” she said.

Ms Umar explained that the election took place following the inauguration of the SCF, where members from all six geopolitical zones nominated and voted for candidates to represent their zones.

Ms Umar stated that the process underscored the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders.

The election conducted by its subsidiary, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to building a thriving digital economy, nurturing startups, and fostering collaboration that ensures innovation for national development.

Ms Umar said the election was a significant step in implementing the NSA, as it allows startup founders to participate directly in discussions about key policy decisions that affect Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The council incorporated democratically elected representatives from the startup community alongside government agencies, regulators, investors, academia, and other stakeholders for inclusive governance.

(NAN)