By Fatima Bello
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a digitally inclusive, innovation-driven economy through a blend of strategic initiatives, advanced technologies, and robust partnerships.
This assurance was given by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, during a high-level meeting with Carole Lebreton, Financial Counsellor of the Regional Economic Department for Nigeria and Ghana, and her delegation.
In his remarks, Inuwa recounted the agency’s remarkable evolution since its inception in 2001, when its primary goal was to drive basic computer literacy at a time when fewer than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers and the ICT sector contributed just 0.05% to the nation’s GDP. Today, over 130 million Nigerians are connected online, with ICT now contributing more than 17% to Nigeria’s GDP—reflecting NITDA’s transformative impact.
A pivotal moment came in 2019 when NITDA’s mandate was expanded to encompass the broader goal of building a digital economy. In 2023, innovation was formally integrated into this framework in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes digital transformation and creativity as drivers of economic diversification.
To implement this vision, the agency launched its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), built on eight pillars focused on digital inclusion, innovation, regulatory frameworks, and ecosystem development.
Among NITDA’s flagship efforts is the National Digital Literacy Framework, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Education, NYSC, and various public service bodies, digital training programs are being extended to students, artisans, traders, and transport workers across all 774 local government areas.
Highlighting the agency’s focus on cutting-edge technologies, Inuwa underscored investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, blockchain, and additive manufacturing. NITDA is actively fostering research and development in these areas to position Nigeria at the forefront of the global digital economy.
The agency is also developing forward-looking policies to govern emerging technologies, including regulatory frameworks for blockchain and AI, aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring trust and security in digital environments.
In a bid to drive grassroots digital transformation, NITDA is equipping rural and underserved communities with digital tools and supporting local innovation hubs. It is also strengthening national data protection, promoting cybersecurity, and enhancing digital resilience.
The Nigeria Startup Act and the creation of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) are key instruments in reducing bureaucratic barriers and supporting emerging tech entrepreneurs through startup-friendly policies.
Central to NITDA’s strategy is collaboration, both locally and internationally. The agency partners with institutions such as the NYSC, and actively participates in major tech events like VivaTech, GITEX Nigeria in September , and Digital Nigeria in November which is expected to attract over 6,000 participants.
Internally, NITDA is modernising public service delivery through AI-driven solutions, e-governance tools, and policy innovation labs—initiatives that aim to cut costs, boost efficiency, and enhance services for Nigerians.
Inuwa emphasised that innovation is not merely a buzzword, but a national strategy. Nigeria’s submission of 110 entries—the highest from any African nation—for the AfricaTech segment of VivaTech highlights the country’s growing strengths in sectors such as agritech, edtech, fintech, and smart technologies.
As Nigeria continues to advance on its digital journey, NITDA remains at the forefront, shaping policies, empowering communities, and building a future-ready digital economy anchored in innovation and inclusivity.
However Carole expressed appreciation and satisfaction with Nitda’s accomplishment, commending the agency for it remarkable strides in driving digital transformation and fostering innovation in Nigeria.
she acknowledged the impact of Nitda’s efforts in promoting technological growth and empowering citizens through various digital initiatives.
