Federal Government Launches Platform for Startup Registration

The Federal Government has introduced the Startup Support and Engagement Portal, a crucial component of the Nigeria Startup Act implementation, aimed at facilitating the identification and aggregation of startups across the country.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, made the announcement on Tuesday night, emphasizing the significance of the portal in driving the recognition and consolidation of Nigerian startups, venture capital firms, hubs, and innovation centers.

In a tweet, Dr. Tijani stated, “We are pleased to announce the launch of the Startup Support and Engagement Portal, https://startup.gov.ng/, a key requirement for the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act. The startup portal will drive the identification and aggregation of Nigerian startups, venture capital companies, hubs, and innovation centres to facilitate engagement and support for ecosystem players.”

He highlighted that the portal’s launch would enable the government to initiate the establishment of startup consultative forums. These forums will play a crucial role in selecting representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fostering discussions and consensus-building among ecosystem players.

Tijani invited all Nigerian startup venture capital companies, hubs, and innovation centers to register on the portal https://startup.gov.ng/. He expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the Startup Act for the benefit of the innovation ecosystem.

This development follows the signing of the Startup Act into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari a year ago. Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, the former Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari (Digital Transformation) and lead for the Nigeria Startup Bill, endorsed the government’s announcement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in sustainable policy development. Guobadia stated, “The work is ahead. This announcement by the government is an indication that collaboration is key to sustainable policy development. Beneficiaries must remain engaged.”