Top economic, legislative and academic leaders have warned that Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge unless citizens and businesses urgently adopt digital skills and technology-driven practices.
The caution was issued on Saturday at the 2025 National Convention of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni Association (MAPAMA), held in Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme: “Entrepreneurship in Action: Building Ethical Enterprises in Uncertain Times.”
Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director/CEO of CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola, described digital adoption as a “non-negotiable lifeline” for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he noted contribute about 40 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and constitute 99 per cent of registered businesses.
Popoola, who heads Africa’s largest credit bureau, warned that MSMEs risk extinction unless they embrace digital tools.
“Any business that fails to adopt technology will be left behind. You cannot compete globally with analogue structures,” he said.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to start with simple digital steps—such as building websites, adopting electronic record systems and using online platforms for customer engagement—before transitioning into full automation.
“You don’t have to be a tech expert. Hire people who can help. Technology now drives sustainability, expansion and visibility,” he added.
Keynote speaker and Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Salis Shuaib, reinforced the message, insisting that digital literacy is now compulsory for all Nigerians.
“There is no contrary view. This is where the future is headed. We must align with global direction,” he said.
Shuaib noted that the National Assembly has enacted and strengthened key frameworks—including the Start-up Act, Cybercrime Act and the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill—to support digital participation, secure online transactions and empower SMEs.
He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s fintech sector as evidence of the opportunities waiting to be tapped.
“When you look at the top fintechs on the continent, many are Nigerian. Those entrepreneurs saw opportunities and leveraged technology. MSMEs can do the same,” he said.
Also speaking, Guest Speaker and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Alhaji Niyi Yusuf, urged Nigerians to adopt prudent business practices and diversify their operational locations.
According to him, concentrating business activities in one state or country increases vulnerability.
“If you concentrate your business in Lagos, for instance, and Lagos shuts down due to flooding, your business also shuts down. If your business exists only in Nigeria, when Nigeria shuts down, your business shuts down too,” he cautioned.
Yusuf advised business owners to embrace networking, prudence, and flexible workforce models. Citing the NESG as an example, he said the group currently has 99 full-time staff and more than 50 contractors from India and other countries.
Rector of MAPOLY, Dr. Koyejo Jolaoso, said the institution has overhauled its curriculum to ensure graduates gain hands-on, globally relevant competencies.
“We have adopted the philosophy of ‘beyond certification.’ The modern world demands competence, not just credentials,” he stated.
Earlier, the immediate past national president of MAPAMA, Prince Taofeek Oyeniyi, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts toward ending insecurity in the country.
He also reviewed the association’s achievements during his three-year tenure, urging members at home and abroad to deepen their commitment.
Chairman of MAPAMA’s Board of Trustees and former Rector of MAPOLY, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, charged Nigerian professionals to uphold ethics in their business dealings while commending the association for its growth.
The convention brought together alumni, policymakers, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the country, with a unanimous call for Nigeria to embrace digital literacy as a pathway to economic stability and national development.
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