The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated for a data dlassification approach to digital sovereignty, stressing that sovereignty should not be defined solely by where data is stored or who has physical control over it. The agency believes that the sensitivity, importance and potential risks associated with different categories of data should determine the level of sovereignty required.
The position was presented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships at NITDA, who represented the Director-General at a panel session titled “Governing the Digital Continent” during the 3rd Edition of the Hyperscaler Convergence Africa 2026 in Lagos. The event was held under the theme “Africa’s Great Digital Buildout.”
According to Dr. Onumo, Nigeria’s digital sovereignty framework should focus on data classification and risk assessment rather than applying the same level of control to all information. He explained that highly sensitive and security-related data, as well as information connected to critical infrastructure, may require stronger sovereignty measures, while lower-risk data could operate through collaboration, interoperability, judicial cooperation and appropriate assurance mechanisms.
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He further highlighted the importance of properly classifying data that is critical to national and public services. Using medical information as an example, Dr. Onumo noted that disruptions to critical connectivity infrastructure, including fibre-optic and undersea cables, could affect access to essential data, particularly when such information is hosted outside the country. Effective classification, he said, would help determine where stronger controls are necessary and where collaborative arrangements can be safely adopted.
For lower-risk information, NITDA maintains that digital sovereignty does not necessarily require direct government control or mandatory data localisation. Instead, contractual obligations, quality assurance measures, technical standards, interoperability and accountability can provide appropriate safeguards while allowing organisations to collaborate and share digital services effectively.
Dr. Onumo also emphasised that achieving digital sovereignty is a shared responsibility involving government, regulators, technology providers, consumers and other stakeholders. He noted that each participant has a role in identifying and addressing risks within their area of responsibility. Nigeria’s approach, he explained, is therefore built around risk management, data classification, assurance, interoperability and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Convener of the event, Temitope Osunrinde, called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. He stressed that the continent’s long-term digital success will depend on reliable power, resilient connectivity, secure data centres, affordable cloud services, effective regulation, skilled talent and patient investment. He added that no single government, institution or organisation can build Africa’s digital infrastructure alone, making strategic partnerships and collective action essential to the continent’s digital future.
