The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for a risk-based approach to digital sovereignty, saying data classification should determine the level of control and protection required rather than relying solely on where data is stored or who controls it.
Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, made the call during a panel session titled “Governing the Digital Continent” at the 3rd Edition of the Hyperscaler Convergence Africa 2026, held in Lagos under the theme “Africa’s Great Digital Buildout.”
Onumo said digital sovereignty can have different interpretations across jurisdictions, but Nigeria’s approach should focus on defining and applying appropriate levels of sovereignty based on the classification and risk profile of data.
“It’s not about location versus control. It’s about defining, understanding and applying appropriate risk-based classification in terms of sovereignty,” he said.
He said sovereignty should not be treated as a blanket principle applicable to every category of data.
Instead, the level of control and sovereignty required should correspond with the sensitivity, criticality and associated risks of the data.
According to Onumo, highly sensitive and security-related data and infrastructure may require stronger sovereignty measures, while lower-risk data could rely on collaboration, judicial cooperation, co-location arrangements and mechanisms that promote interoperability.
He also noted that personal data is already governed by existing laws and institutions responsible for its protection and management, stressing that these legal and institutional frameworks remain applicable.
Onumo said data classification is particularly important in protecting critical information and infrastructure where disruption could have significant consequences for national and public services.
Using medical data and related infrastructure as an example, he said disruptions to critical connectivity infrastructure, such as fibre or undersea cables, could have serious implications where essential data is hosted outside the country.
He therefore stressed that classification should help determine where stronger sovereignty measures are necessary and where collaborative approaches can be adopted.
The NITDA representative added that lower-risk data does not necessarily require direct government control or localisation.
Instead, contractual obligations, quality assurance mechanisms and standards can be used to establish trust, interoperability, coordination and accountability, he said.
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Onumo further emphasised that digital sovereignty requires shared responsibility among service providers, consumers, regulators and other stakeholders, with each party expected to address risks within its area of responsibility.
He said Nigeria’s approach to digital sovereignty is therefore anchored on risk, data classification, assurance, interoperability and accountability.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, Temitope Osunrinde, also called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, saying sustainable digital transformation requires collective efforts, strategic partnerships and an enabling environment for innovation and investment.
Osunrinde said African countries are making significant efforts to develop their digital economies but need to focus on working smarter and together.
He identified reliable infrastructure, resilient connectivity, secure data centres, affordable cloud and connectivity services, enabling regulation, skilled talent and patient capital as important to the continent’s long-term digital development.
“Governments cannot do this without the private sector,” he said, adding that infrastructure providers cannot scale without financing and that businesses need reliable and affordable services, while African markets require stronger regional and continental coordination.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
