Nigeria Positions Data as "Digital Gold" for Governance and

Lagos, Nigeria

In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s governance and global competitiveness, President Bola Tinubu has declared data as the nation’s “new oil.” Speaking at the 2025 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that data, unlike crude oil, grows in value when refined and responsibly utilized. He directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritize capturing, safeguarding, and sharing data in line with the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023.

Tinubu highlighted that accurate and secure data is critical for transparency, effective policymaking, and elevating Nigeria’s standing in international benchmarks. He stressed the importance of data sovereignty, ensuring sensitive information is protected within secure local and allied data centers. This directive comes as Nigeria aims to harness digital tools to streamline governance and boost efficiency across the public sector.

In support of this vision, Galaxy Backbone, Nigeria’s digital infrastructure agency, launched the 1Government Cloud Academy. The initiative will train civil servants in digital skills, paving the way for a paperless public sector and improved inter-agency communication. Tinubu’s announcement signals a shift toward a data-driven future, positioning Nigeria to compete on the global stage.