By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy
The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to implement the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to catalyse innovation, support youth entrepreneurship, and boost the state’s economic development. This alignment aims to position Plateau State as a tech hub and unlock the full potential of startups through tailored incentives and robust ecosystem support.
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Nigeria Startup Act Engagement: Driving Innovation in Plateau State
From December 2–3, 2024, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) hosted the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) Engagement Sessions in Plateau State. The event, held in Jos, featured discussions, exhibitions, and strategy sessions aimed at fostering a thriving digital innovation ecosystem.
Panelists included prominent figures from the public and private sectors, such as Parker Benson, Director of Business Development at Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA); Bashir Sheidu, Chairman of the Network of Northern Incubators and Accelerators; and Eric Nanle, Executive Director of nHub Foundation.
Others include Hauwa Mankiik, GIZ; Olusegun Oruame, CEO, KnowHow Media; Victor Otukpa A, Chief Enterprise Development Officer, National Directorate of Employment; Dr. Yinka Oyerinde, Deputy Director, Center for Entrepreneurship Studies, and University of Jos; Abdul Hafiz – COO, Sunnah Tech Lab.
Key discussions centered on the domestication of the NSA in Plateau State, the incentives available for startups, and how to leverage the Act to drive growth in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and human capacity development.
The Role of Federal and State Governments
The Federal Government, through NITDA, plays a pivotal role in creating a regulatory framework for the NSA and providing resources for its implementation. Plateau State, led by the Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA), has embraced this framework, tailoring it to meet local needs and opportunities.
According to Parker Benson, representing PICTDA’s Director General Datong Dominic Gwaman:
“The Plateau State government is committed to leveraging the NSA as a roadmap to harness youth potential, foster technological advancement, and position Plateau as a hub for innovation.”
The state has pledged to invest in sectors such as agro-tech, mining, AI, and medical technology, aligning these efforts with its broader economic development agenda.
Empowering Startups Through Private Sector Collaboration
Private sector stakeholders like nHub Foundation, Dankishiya Associates Ltd, and Sunnah Tech Lab have been instrumental in fostering collaboration and providing critical support for startups. These organizations, alongside others, highlighted the importance of funding, mentorship, and regulatory support to help startups scale and innovate effectively.
Panelists such as Olusegun Oruame, CEO of KnowHow Media, and Bashir Sheidu emphasized the need to focus on sectors with high-growth potential, including agriculture and tourism. This targeted approach ensures startups receive the tools and resources needed to create impactful solutions and drive economic diversification.
Unlocking Opportunities for Startups
Startups domiciled in Plateau State can benefit from a variety of NSA-provided incentives, including:
- Tax Relief: Reduced financial burdens to support growth.
- Seed Funding: Financial assistance to help startups scale.
- Innovation Hubs: Establishment of co-working spaces and tech parks.
- Revenue Allocation: A percentage of state revenue allocated for startup support.
These incentives are designed to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures innovation and fosters long-term economic growth.
Exhibitions and Success Stories
The event showcased innovative solutions from local startups such as Green Eden Farms, Hope Bank, My Ajia, and NOMABOT. These exhibitions demonstrated how the NSA can enable businesses to address local challenges while scaling to compete on a national and global level.
Long-Term Vision and Economic Impact
The Plateau State government envisions a thriving startup ecosystem within the next five to seven years, marked by the emergence of unicorns, attraction of talent from across Nigeria, and significant contributions to national economic diversification. The startup ecosystem is expected to:
- Create jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
- Attract foreign investments.
- Address local challenges with tailored solutions.
- Empower youth with technical skills and entrepreneurial tools.
- The emergence of unicorn startups.
- Attraction of local and international talents and investments.
- Establishment of innovation-driven economic diversification
Key Benefits to Nigeria’s Economy
The NSA’s implementation in Plateau State offers broad economic advantages, including:
- Job Creation: Empowering youth through employment.
- Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on traditional industries.
- Increased Foreign Investments: Attracting global capital.
- Local Solutions for Local Challenges: Leveraging technology to solve specific problems.
Eligibility and Implementation
Startups must meet specific criteria to benefit from the NSA, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a focus on technology-driven innovation. Certified startups gain credibility and access to funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
To benefit from the NSA, startups must:
- Be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Focus on technology-driven innovation.
- Ensure at least one-third of their ownership is held by Nigerians.
With the Federal Government, Plateau State, and private sector working collaboratively, the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act promises to transform Plateau State into a beacon of innovation, driving economic growth and youth empowerment. By fostering innovation, creating opportunities, and empowering youth, the state could set a new benchmark for tech development and economic growth in Nigeria.
