NITDA DG Advocates Industry Collaboration for Nigeria’s Digital Future

Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, advocates for industry collaboration to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation. He highlighted the growth of the digital economy and the significance of local innovations, particularly in fintech. NITDA’s initiatives aim to enhance digital literacy and foster innovation while promoting adaptive policies to support the country’s tech ecosystem. Abdullahi calls for collective action among stakeholders to realize Nigeria’s digital ambitions.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, advocates for enhanced collaboration within the industry to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. Speaking at The Omniverse Summit 2025 in Lagos, he underscored innovation and policy as pivotal elements for sustainable digital growth. With internet penetration surpassing 55 percent and the digital economy expected to contribute over 20 percent to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, the tech ecosystem in Nigeria is expanding swiftly.

Abdullahi cited local fintech innovators like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint as examples of how homegrown technologies are attracting significant investment and redefining financial services. He acknowledged that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are pivotal in driving improvements across governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education. To sustain this progress, NITDA is focused on promoting innovation through research and development, talent cultivation, and support for startups.

The NITDA DG emphasized the necessity of adaptive policies for a flourishing digital economy. He highlighted frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act, designed to support innovation, and the Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which keeps policies relevant and responsive to industry needs. This approach ensures consumer protection while enabling businesses to expand effectively.

Furthermore, Abdullahi pointed out the need for robust data protection laws, cybersecurity measures, and AI governance strategies that ensure responsible technology usage. He affirmed that collaboration is vital for transforming innovation into tangible outcomes. Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in Nigeria’s digital advancement, with collaborations involving the Federal Government and tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta gearing up to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.

He noted a recent agreement between the Federal Government and Google aimed at establishing Nigeria as a global tech hub, focusing on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and AI innovation. This partnership is designed to align digital policies with global standards while addressing local needs. Moreover, NITDA is dedicated to enhancing digital literacy, as evidenced by initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All program, which aims for 70 percent digital literacy by 2027.

Abdullahi stressed the importance of strengthening connections between industry and academia, fostering a workforce equipped with practical skills suitable for the global market. He highlighted opportunities presented by Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which can increase digital trade and foreign investments, solidifying its position as a regional leader in digital services.

In conclusion, Abdullahi called upon all stakeholders—including government, private sector, academia, and tech innovators—to unite in a collective effort to realize sustainable economic growth through digital transformation. “As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration.’ Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business and every sector,” he asserted.

In conclusion, the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration across industries to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation. By promoting innovation, implementing adaptive policies, and fostering partnerships, Nigeria can strengthen its digital economy and improve digital literacy. Ultimately, a unified effort among all stakeholders is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a technological leader.

Original Source: sciencenigeria.com