Nigeria Technology Awards 2022 Celebrates Visionary Leaders Shaping Africa’s Digital Future

The 8th edition of the Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) was held in Lagos last weekend, drawing attention to the exceptional achievements of individuals, organizations, and public sector leaders shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. Hosted in a hybrid format to accommodate public health considerations, this year’s awards ceremony marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s growing reputation as a leading hub for innovation in Africa.

The annual event, which has become a benchmark for excellence in the local technology landscape, brought together top executives, innovators, regulators, and emerging talents across a wide range of technology sectors.

From digital financial services and software development to data analytics, agritech, and digital policy, the 2022 awards reflected both the diversity and maturity of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. One of the evening’s most notable moments was the recognition of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the Digital Personality of the Year. His role in driving digital penetration and regulatory modernization was highlighted as a key enabler for the industry’s growth. The awards also celebrated state-level leadership, with Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, receiving two major recognitions: Most Innovative State Governor of the Year and Technology-Friendly Governor of the Year. These awards underscored the critical role of government in fostering environments where innovation can thrive.

In the private sector, the spotlight fell on several influential tech executives and entrepreneurs who have significantly shaped Nigeria’s digital trajectory over the past year.

Femi Adeoti, Managing Director and CEO of Inlaks Plc was named Tech Company CEO of the Year, while Kunle Akinniran of Vatebra Limited took home the Tech Personality of the Year award. Rex Mafiana of FPG Technologies and Ope Babalola of Webb Fontaine Nigeria were also honored for their leadership and innovation in enterprise technology.

The awards highlighted the increasing impact of startups and tech entrepreneurs, with ChimezieEmewulu, CEO of Seamfix Nigeria, winning Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, and Onyeka Akumah, Founder of Farmcrowdy, recognized as the Most Enterprising Tech Entrepreneur of the Year. These accolades reflect the central role of entrepreneurship in driving technology adoption and economic transformation in Nigeria.

Among the various categories, the awards recognized excellence in digital marketing, data analytics, and user experience, acknowledging both technical and strategic contributions across disciplines. Luther Kington Nwobodo of KOB0360 Logistics received the Most Promising Data Analytics Professional of the Year, a testament to the growing importance of data in business intelligence and logistics optimization.

A key highlight of the evening was the Emerging Tech Product Leader of the Year award, which went to Chibuike Emenike, who serves as Product Manager at Nairabox. He was recognized for his pioneering work in conceptualising and launching Nigeria’s first cinema subscription feature and also the successful expansion of the food delivery service for Nairabox. His work contributed to increased market share and enhanced user onboarding, reflecting the vital role of product innovation in the fintech and digital services industry.

The ceremony also recognized agency and platform leadership, with Ekundayo Ayeni of BusinessPlusServices named Digital Marketing Agency CEO of the Year, and Ademola Akindele, Group Managing Director of Courteville Business Solutions, honored as Most Influential Tech Personality of the Year. These recognitions reflect the depth of leadership driving change in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Now in its eighth year, the Nigeria Technology Awards continues to serve as a platform for elevating voices and organizations that are not only delivering business results but also contributing to broader national goals such as financial inclusion, youth empowerment, data-driven governance, and cross-sector collaboration.

As the country navigates a digitally accelerated future, the 2022 NiTA ceremony reinforced the value of persistent innovation, strategic partnerships, and people-centered technology solutions. From established players to emerging talents, this year’s honoreesrepresent a blueprint for what sustainable, impactful tech advancement looks like in Nigeria and beyond.

With each edition, NiTA strengthens its position as more than an awards platform, it has become a national institution for recognition, reflection, and the celebration of visionaries setting new standards across Africa’s technology landscape.