Nigeria's leading computer professionals have issued a stark warning that the nation could be left behind in the global digital race if it fails to build a resilient and inclusive technology ecosystem capable of weathering cyber threats, economic shocks, and widening inequality.
Dr. Essien Eyo, President and Chairman of the Council of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria), raised the alarm on Friday while unveiling the 2026 IT Professionals' Assembly and Annual General Meeting, scheduled to take place in Abuja next week. Speaking during a virtual press conference, Dr. Eyo described the assembly as Nigeria's premier gathering for the information technology sector, bringing together policymakers, IT consultants, entrepreneurs, startups, academics, and technology service providers to shape the future of the country's digital economy.
Theme: Digital Resilience and Inclusion for Smart Economy
According to Dr. Eyo, the 2026 edition, themed “Digital Resilience and Inclusion for Smart Economy,” comes at a critical juncture when nations worldwide are grappling with rapid technological disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and mounting pressure to bridge digital divides. He stated, “The choice of the theme is both timely and strategic, reflecting Nigeria’s urgent need to strengthen its digital foundations while ensuring that no citizen, institution, or region is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Dr. Eyo emphasized that resilience in the digital era means building infrastructure and institutions capable of withstanding shocks and sustaining growth, while inclusion ensures that access to technology is not limited by geography, gender, age, or economic status. He added, “In an era defined by rapid technological change, cybersecurity threats, economic disruptions, and evolving digital demands, resilience ensures that digital infrastructure, policies, and institutions can withstand shocks and sustain growth. At the same time, inclusion guarantees that no segment of society is left behind in accessing digital opportunities.”
Event Details and Keynote Speaker
The two-day event will be held from May 13 to 14 at the NAF Conference Centre and will feature the induction of new members into the IT profession, alongside discussions on emerging technologies, digital risks, and innovation strategies. Dr. Eyo also announced that the keynote address would be delivered by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
He noted that the gathering will provide stakeholders with a platform to examine emerging digital risks, promote inclusive digital policies, strengthen collaboration between government and industry, and share best practices in ethical and secure technology deployment. The assembly aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope programme and seeks to position the country as “a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven digital nation,” Dr. Eyo declared.
Regulatory Mandate and Licensing
Reiterating the council’s regulatory mandate, Dr. Eyo warned that it remains illegal for individuals or organizations to engage in computing practice in Nigeria without registration and a valid license from the council. He explained that the Act makes it mandatory for all persons and organizations seeking to engage in computing and professional practice to be registered by the Council and licensed to carry out such activities. The Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) was established by Act 49 of 1993 and operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.
