NITDA DG Advocates Industry Collaboration for Nigeria’s Digital Future
Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, DG of NITDA, advocates for stronger collaboration in Nigeria’s digital transformation during The Omniverse Summit 2025. Highlighting advancements in fintech and emerging technologies, he stresses the importance of adaptive policies and public-private partnerships. Abdullahi emphasizes the need for improved digital literacy and strategic alliances to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, has called for enhanced collaboration among industry stakeholders to expedite Nigeria’s digital transformation. At The Omniverse Summit 2025 held in Lagos, he, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, emphasized that innovation and policy are critical components for achieving sustainable digital growth.
With internet penetration surpassing 55 percent and projections indicating that the country’s digital economy could contribute over 20 percent to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, Abdullahi remarked on the rapid expansion of the nation’s technology ecosystem. He cited local fintech innovators such as Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint as exemplars of homegrown success attracting significant investment and transforming financial services.
Abdullahi noted that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, are spearheading developments across various sectors, including governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education. He reaffirmed NITDA’s dedication to promoting innovation through research and development, talent cultivation, and supporting startups to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy throughout Nigeria.
Recognizing the necessity of adaptable policies for a flourishing digital economy, Abdullahi highlighted the significance of regulatory frameworks like the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides a structured methodology for nurturing innovation. Furthermore, he discussed NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which ensures policies remain agile, data-informed, and aware of industry dynamics while safeguarding consumers and enabling business growth.
Abdullahi also pointed out the critical requirement for robust data protection laws, cybersecurity measures, and governance strategies for artificial intelligence that encourage responsible technological usage. He stressed that collaboration is vital for translating innovation into tangible progress as Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda.
He underscored the essential role of public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s digital evolution, referencing recent collaborations between the Federal Government and leading global technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta. These partnerships fortify the importance of cooperation in developing the nation’s digital infrastructure and ensure alignment of digital policies with global best practices while addressing local challenges.
Highlighting a new agreement with Google that positions Nigeria as a potential global tech hub, Abdullahi detailed the partnership’s focus on infrastructure advancements, citizen training, AI innovation, integration of cloud services, and strengthening investment frameworks. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that local policies are aligned with international standards while catering to indigenous requirements.
NITDA’s dedication to enhancing digital literacy was further emphasized, particularly through initiatives like the Digital Literacy for All program in collaboration with the NYSC, aimed at achieving a 70 percent digital literacy rate by 2027. Abdullahi noted that building stronger connections between industry and academia is vital to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, thus ensuring a digitally adept workforce positioned for global competitiveness.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area as a significant opportunity for digital trade and investment. By collaborating on digital trade policies and leveraging strategic alliances, Nigeria can access new markets and draw increased foreign investments, further bolstering its position as a leader in regional digital services.
In conclusion, Abdullahi urged all stakeholders, including government entities, the private sector, academia, and technology innovators, to unite in crafting a future where digital transformation evolves into a reality, catalyzing sustainable economic growth. He stated, “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.”
In conclusion, collaboration among stakeholders is imperative for Nigeria’s digital transformation, emphasizing the roles of innovation and policy in fostering growth. Initiatives promoting digital literacy and partnerships with global tech companies are crucial to developing a robust digital economy. By working together, Nigeria can harness its digital potential, ensuring it becomes a leader in technology on both regional and international platforms.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
