Nigeria risks digital exclusion without resilient tech ecosystem — CPN

Nigeria’s top computer professionals have warned that the country risks being left behind in the global digital race unless it builds a resilient and inclusive technology ecosystem capable of withstanding cyber threats, economic shocks and widening inequality.

President and Chairman of Council of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria), Dr Essien Eyo, sounded the alarm on Friday while announcing the 2026 IT Professionals’ Assembly and Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja next week.

Speaking during a virtual press conference, Dr Eyo described the assembly as Nigeria’s flagship gathering for the information technology sector, bringing together policy makers, IT consultants, entrepreneurs, startups, academics and technology service providers to chart the future of the country’s digital economy.

According to him, the 2026 edition, themed “Digital Resilience & Inclusion for Smart Economy,” comes at a critical time when nations are grappling with rapid technological disruptions, cyber insecurity and growing pressure to bridge digital gaps.

“The choice of the theme is both timely and strategic, reflecting Nigeria’s urgent need to strengthen its digital foundations while ensuring that no citizen, institution, or region is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape,” Eyo said.

He stressed that resilience in the digital era means building infrastructure and institutions capable of withstanding shocks and sustaining growth, while inclusion ensures that access to technology is not restricted by geography, gender, age or economic status.

“In an era defined by rapid technological change, cybersecurity threats, economic disruptions, and evolving digital demands, resilience ensures that digital infrastructure, policies, and institutions can withstand shocks and sustain growth.

“At the same time, inclusion guarantees that no segment of society is left behind in accessing digital opportunities,” he added.

The two-day event will hold from May 13 to 14 at the NAF Conference Centre and will feature the induction of new members into the IT profession, alongside discussions on emerging technologies, digital risks and innovation strategies.

The CPN president also announced that the keynote address would be delivered by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

Eyo said the gathering would provide stakeholders with a platform to examine emerging digital risks, promote inclusive digital policies, strengthen collaboration between government and industry, and share best practices in ethical and secure technology deployment.

He added that the assembly aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope programme and seeks to position the country as “a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven digital nation.”

“The 2026 CPN Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly therefore stands not merely as an event, but as a strategic platform for shaping Nigeria’s digital destiny,” he declared.

Reiterating the council’s regulatory mandate, Eyo warned that it remains illegal for individuals or organisations to engage in computing practice in Nigeria without registration and a valid licence from the council.

He explained that the Act makes it mandatory for all persons and organizations seeking to engage in computing and professional practice to be registered by the Council and licensed to carry out such activities.

The Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) was established by Act 49 of 1993 and operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.