Nigeria: Adopted National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector including data localisation measures

On 8 March 2021, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy issued the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector. The policy encourages indigenous sector involvement in the manufacturing of telecommunications equipment, such as SIM cards, smartphones and fibre optic cables, as well as the development of indigenous software and services. The policy aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), aiming to enhance local content, skills and innovation within the telecommunications sector. Additionally, the policy emphasises data localisation, mandating that data generated within Nigeria be stored within the country to promote the development of local data centres, drive infrastructure investment and create employment opportunities.