Telecom & Digital · In force

Nigeria Startup Act 2022

Legal and institutional framework for Nigerian startups — a labelling system, tax and investment incentives, a Startup Investment Seed Fund and a National Council chaired by the President.

Signed
2022-10-19
Assented by
Status
In force
01 Background

Co-created by the tech ecosystem and government, the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 gives labelled startups a dedicated legal regime: a 'startup label' issued via a portal, access to tax reliefs (including pioneer-status incentives) and a Startup Investment Seed Fund (targeted at ₦10bn) managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. It creates the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (chaired by the President) and a Secretariat under NITDA, and provides for regulatory support, talent development, and easier access to credit and grants. It was signed by President Buhari on 19 October 2022.

02 Key provisions · 5
§ 01
'Startup label' regime with a dedicated portal and eligibility criteria
§ 02
Tax incentives (pioneer status, reliefs on investment) for labelled startups
§ 03
Startup Investment Seed Fund (₦10bn target) managed by NSIA
§ 04
National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, chaired by the President
§ 05
Secretariat under NITDA; regulatory, credit and talent-development support
03 What changed in practice
First statutory recognition and support regime for Nigerian tech startups
Framework used to onboard labelled startups from 2023 onward
04 Who it affects
Startups & foundersInvestors/VCsNITDANSIATech talent
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