The 6th Annual FirstBank FinTech Summit, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, showcased Nigeria’s ongoing strides in digital innovation, bringing together key stakeholders from the fintech sector and regulatory landscape.
This year’s summit, known for being one of the country’s premier gatherings of technology and finance leaders, featured a dynamic mix of local and international experts committed to fostering growth in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
Among the distinguished participants was Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Known for his deep commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape, Inuwa participated in a pivotal regulatory roundtable titled “Policy & Infrastructure: Navigating Financial Regulations for Fintech Innovations.” His insights underscored the delicate balance between promoting fintech innovation and ensuring a robust regulatory environment that safeguards consumers and strengthens the economy.
This year’s theme emphasized the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s fintech sector. By bridging the divide between tech startups, established companies, and traditional financial institutions, the summit aimed to create a unified approach to overcoming regulatory hurdles, fostering sustainable growth, and driving the sector forward. Participants from all corners of the ecosystem—entrepreneurs, policy-makers, investors, and digital infrastructure providers—engaged in discussions about the role of innovation in the future of Nigerian finance.
At the roundtable, Inuwa emphasized the need for an adaptable regulatory framework that can keep pace with the rapid advancements in financial technology. He noted that NITDA is committed to creating policies that support innovation while providing a stable foundation for fintech companies to thrive. Inuwa’s comments resonated strongly with other panelists and attendees, many of whom echoed the importance of flexible, forward-thinking policies that can adjust to industry needs while protecting consumers.
The FirstBank FinTech Summit has grown into a key annual event in Nigeria, not only showcasing innovations but also actively shaping policy discussions around fintech. By convening leaders like Kashifu Inuwa alongside entrepreneurs and global experts, the summit reinforced its commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that is as innovative and dynamic as the industry it seeks to