By Zuwaira Ayitogo O.
The Director‑General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has affirmed that the South‑South Development Commission’s (SSDC) regional development objectives align strongly with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, stressing that digital literacy and talent development are the bedrock of Nigeria’s digital economy, with a national target of 95% digital literacy by 2030 and an interim milestone of 70% by 2027, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The DG made this known while receiving the Managing Director of the SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, on a courtesy visit to NITDA headquarters, where he reaffirmed the Agency’s full commitment to partnering with the Commission to drive inclusive digital transformation across the South‑South region.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s ongoing nationwide interventions in digital skills development for students, civil servants, NYSC members and youths, noting that technology is no longer a standalone sector but a critical enabler across the economy—from energy and agriculture to finance, security and governance. He added that NITDA is strengthening its zonal offices to deepen grassroots engagement and ensure digital inclusion in underserved communities, particularly in the South‑South.
He further underscored the importance of strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust, revitalising underutilised ICT centres and innovation hubs, expanding access to devices, and supporting startups and innovation ecosystems that create jobs and solve local challenges within communities.
Reaffirming NITDA’s role as a strategic delivery partner, the DG stressed that collaboration, coordination and shared implementation frameworks are essential to achieving inclusive digital transformation, noting that “no institution can succeed in isolation.” He pledged that NITDA will work closely with the SSDC through joint programmes, coordinated interventions and structured partnerships to deliver sustainable, people‑centred digital development across the South‑South region.
In her remarks, Ms Usoro Akpabio described NITDA as a “strategic delivery partner” in achieving the Commission’s regional mandate. She commended NITDA’s interventions in digital capacity building, ICT infrastructure development, device distribution and innovation hubs, noting that the Agency’s presence is increasingly felt across communities in the region.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the strategic partnership, align regional development goals with national digital economy objectives, and position the South‑South as a major hub for digital talent, innovation and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
