A leading voice in Nigeria’s technology sector has used President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, on March 29th, to call for a more robust government focus on supporting the country’s burgeoning startup scene, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation in economic growth and job creation. Godwin Omage, the Chief Executive Officer of Co-Net Technologies Ltd. issued a congratulatory message from Abuja that went beyond simple pleasantries.
Godwin Omage, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Net Technologies Ltd
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s leadership on his 73rd birthday, Mr. Omage’s message homed in on the immense potential of Nigeria’s young tech entrepreneurs and the need for specific government interventions to help them flourish. He argued that these startups represent a vital pathway to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from its traditional reliance on oil, offering solutions to local challenges and creating employment opportunities for a large youth population.
Mr. Omage specifically highlighted the significant hurdles faced by local startups in securing adequate funding, often struggling to compete with international firms that have access to larger capital pools. He urged President Tinubu to consider implementing policies that would directly benefit the domestic tech ecosystem, such as tax incentives for investors in Nigerian startups, the establishment of government-backed venture capital funds, and the creation of regulatory frameworks that are conducive to innovation.
Drawing a direct link between the success of the tech sector and the overall progress of the nation, Mr. Omage stated, “Mr. President, you have been blessed with visionary youths eager to help you succeed. Politics is not the only force that shapes a nation—innovators are leading in that category.” He stressed that fostering a supportive environment for these innovators should be a top priority for the government, ranking alongside traditional political and economic considerations, as it holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and global competitiveness.
The timing of this appeal, coinciding with President Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, underscores the urgency with which some in Nigeria’s tech community view the need for government action. While President Tinubu has frequently spoken about the importance of technology and innovation since assuming office in 2023, industry leaders like Mr. Omage are using such occasions to push for concrete policy changes that will translate those words into tangible benefits for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the wider economy. Their message is a clear call for the government to move beyond rhetoric and implement specific measures to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tech sector.
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