Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy

Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP) plays a crucial role in driving the adoption of cloud technologies across the public sector and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The policy focuses on creating an efficient, scalable, and secure digital environment to enhance service delivery and stimulate economic growth.

The strategic approach of the NCCP revolves around a ‘Cloud First‘ policy thrust. This strategy mandates government institutions to prioritise cloud-based solutions over traditional IT infrastructure when deploying new digital services or upgrading existing ones. By doing so, the policy aims to reduce capital costs, improve efficiency, increase transparency, and foster innovation.

Some key elements of the strategy include:

1. Encouraging Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) and SMEs to migrate to cloud platforms by 2024. This migration is designed to enable better responsiveness to citizens’ needs, optimise public service delivery, and support digital transformation.
2. Ensuring that cloud adoption follows open standards to prevent dependence on a single service provider, allowing for greater flexibility in transitioning between cloud platforms as needed.
3. Training government IT professionals in cloud technologies to enable effective use of cloud services and ensure ongoing innovation in public sector digital services.
4. Developing a Digital Marketplace in collaboration with the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), ensuring cloud service procurement is transparent, competitive, and aligned with national goals.