The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has called for urgent and coordinated action on five strategic priorities to position Nigeria for digital resilience and inclusive growth.

Delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) Information Technology Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr Adedokun stressed that the first priority is massive investment in broadband and critical infrastructure, noting that true digital inclusion begins with reliable and affordable connectivity.

He called for expanded access to rural communities, schools, hospitals, and underserved populations, backed by infrastructure sharing, right-of-way reforms, and stronger public–private partnerships.

The BPP boss also pushed for a nationwide digital literacy drive, insisting that digital skills must become as foundational as reading and writing.

According to him, every Nigerian child should be equipped with basic digital competence, while universities and professional institutions must urgently align curricula with emerging technologies and global standards.

On security, Adedokun warned that Nigeria must shift from reactive cybersecurity measures to proactive digital resilience, adding that cybersecurity awareness should become a national culture rather than being left solely to IT departments.

The DG further emphasized the need to aggressively support indigenous innovation and startups, calling for improved access to funding, regulatory backing, incubation ecosystems, and government procurement opportunities to reduce overreliance on foreign technologies.

He highlighted inclusive digital governance as the fifth priority, stressing that women, persons with disabilities, rural communities, SMEs, and other marginalized groups must not be left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is economic intelligence,” he said, underscoring the economic imperative of widening digital access across all segments of society.

The two-day workshop themed, “Digital Resilience and Inclusion for the Digital Economy,” brought together policymakers, educators, technology experts, and industry stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding access to underserved communities, and equipping citizens with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital-driven economy.

Speaking on the theme and declaring the event open, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the gathering as both timely and visionary, noting that in an era shaped by rapid technological disruption, cybersecurity threats, economic instability, and global uncertainties, digital resilience has become a foundational necessity rather than a choice.

He explained that government is intensifying efforts to embed digital literacy across all levels of education, strengthen STEM and technical training, and deepen research in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies, while also fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

Alausa further stressed that information technology remains central to enhancing national competitiveness in the global marketplace and expanding access to education at all levels, noting that the Federal Government has prioritised the development and deployment of ICT within the education sector as a key driver of systemic improvement and transformation.

He urged stakeholders across the education ecosystem to remain aligned with this national vision, stressing that sustained commitment to digital innovation and education reform is critical to ensuring Nigeria emerges as a strong global player, not only in Africa but across the world.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Afolabi Salisu, commended the initiative behind the workshop, describing it as a strategic platform for strengthening Nigeria’s digital governance, resilience framework, and human capital development.

Senator Akpabio assured that the National Assembly remains fully committed to supporting policies and legislation that advance the country’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in education, cybersecurity, and innovation-driven growth.

He further emphasized that the Senate recognises the increasing importance of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure protection in a rapidly evolving global economy, stressing the need for sustained investment in secure digital systems and capacity building across public institutions.

According to him, achieving true digital resilience will require stronger collaboration between policymakers, regulators, the private sector, and academia, while also ensuring that Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks remain adaptive to emerging technological realities.

Earlier, the President and Chairman of Council, Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria), Dr Eyo Essien, outlined a renewed vision for the organisation, describing it as a catalyst for a digitally empowered Nigeria anchored on strong standards, indigenous innovation, and a vibrant professional ICT ecosystem.

He said the Council would focus on strengthening collaboration across sectors, expanding capacity development, and raising the global profile of Nigerian IT practitioners to ensure they play a leading role in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Essien described the event as a cornerstone of the national ICT calendar, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, and innovators to reflect on emerging trends and shape Nigeria’s digital future.

He noted that over the years, the forum has influenced ICT policy direction across successive administrations and continues to serve as a key platform for positioning Nigeria within the global knowledge economy.

He said this year’s theme is particularly timely, given the realities of rapid technological disruption, cyber threats, economic uncertainty, and increasing global interdependence, explaining that digital resilience is essential to building a secure and future-ready economy capable of withstanding shocks while adapting to innovation.