President Bola Tinubu has moved Nigeria’s Digital Free Zones initiative into the implementation phase, targeting increased global investment, job creation and retention of technology companies and intellectual property in Nigeria.

Tinubu directed Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole to work with the Itana Innovation project and the Presidential Steering Committee to develop a full-launch roadmap within 180 days.

The initiative will enable Nigerian technology and service firms to access global capital while operating from Nigeria, with Itana already licensed as the country’s first Digital Free Zone.