Tinubu orders roadmap for full launch of Nigeria’s Digital Free Zones within 180 days

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the federal government to create a roadmap for the complete launch of Nigeria's Digital Free Zones within 180 days. The initiative aims to facilitate global capital access for Nigerian tech and service companies, boost domestic employment, and expand international market presence. Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed Tinubu's directive to Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, who serves as Vice-Chairman and Implementation Coordinator of the Presidential Steering Committee on Digital Free Zones. Oduwole will collaborate with Itana Innovation and the committee on the planned roadmap.

Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's potential to develop globally competitive companies, urging Nigerians not to depart the country or seek opportunities abroad. He envisions the nation as a breeding ground for African technology, finance, and service firms, headquartered and scaled from Nigeria. The initiative, already in progress via Itana Digital Free Zone, licensed by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, offers a platform for global and pan-African digital and service businesses to establish operations in Nigeria.

The Africa Finance Corporation is supporting the $500 million Itana Innovation project at Alaro City in Lagos, which will provide policy support, innovation campus, capital access, and ecosystem services to aid African startups in scaling and retaining value domestically.

The Digital Free Zones initiative expands on previous government and private-sector efforts to position Nigeria as a hub for digital businesses and digital services exporter. The Federal Government's recent expansion of its focus on exporting Nigerian talent and services underscores the nation's pursuit of economic growth through digital opportunities.

The Federal Executive Council approved the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports in November 2025 to enhance coordination among agencies working to boost Nigeria's services exports.