With the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, conversations have naturally turned to his legacy—including his impact on Nigeria’s technology landscape. During his tenure, Buhari’s administration implemented several ambitious tech policies that redefined the country’s digital economy. While these efforts brought progress in areas like broadband infrastructure and startup development, they were not without controversy and challenges.
Key Technology Policies That Defined Buhari’s Era
1. National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030):
This policy set an ambitious target of achieving 70% broadband penetration and minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas. Though the full target wasn’t met, mobile broadband coverage rose significantly—from just 6% in 2015 to 46% by the end of Buhari’s tenure.
2. National Broadband Plan (2020–2025):
This initiative aimed to strengthen broadband infrastructure and make internet access more widespread and affordable across Nigeria.
3. Nigeria Startup Act (2022):
A landmark legislation, the Startup Act provided tax incentives, regulatory clarity, and access to government grants. It also created key institutions like the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to support startup growth.
4. eNaira Launch (2021):
Nigeria became one of the first African countries to roll out a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The eNaira aimed to boost financial inclusion, improve remittances, and simplify government disbursements.
5. NIN-SIM Linkage Policy:
To address national security concerns, Buhari’s government required all SIM card users to link their National Identity Numbers (NINs). The policy culminated in the deactivation of over 60 million SIM cards by September 2024.
6. Twitter Ban (2021):
In one of the most controversial digital decisions, the government suspended Twitter operations for seven months after the platform deleted one of Buhari’s tweets. The ban had serious social and economic repercussions, especially for small businesses and digital creators.
A Mixed Legacy for Nigeria’s Tech Sector
On one hand, Buhari’s policies stimulated innovation and entrepreneurship. The Startup Act, increased broadband access, and Executive Order 5 (which prioritized local software vendors) helped position Nigeria as a continental tech hub. Success stories like Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Andela emerged during his administration.
On the other hand, policy inconsistencies and restrictions—like the Twitter ban and strict crypto regulations—stifled innovation and hurt investor confidence. Infrastructure deficits and security concerns further challenged the sector’s progress.
Final Scorecard: Progress Amidst Turbulence
- Broadband penetration improved to 48.81%, though still short of its 70% target.
- ICT’s contribution to GDP nearly tripled from 8.5% in 2015 to 19.54% in Q2 2023.
- Startup ecosystem growth was notable, supported by legislation and funding reforms.
Looking Ahead
Buhari’s digital legacy is one of ambition and complexity. His policies laid a foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy, but they also highlighted the need for consistent, transparent, and innovation-friendly governance. As the current administration pledges to prioritize technology, it must learn from both the successes and shortcomings of Buhari’s era to ensure inclusive, sustainable growth for Nigeria’s tech future.
