NITDA advocates government-civic engagement for Nigeria’s inclusive, sustainable growth

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, urges Nigerians to align on national priorities, deepen civic participation, and reinforce civil society’s role in steering the country towards inclusive and sustainable development

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated a united front between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Nigerian Government in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, who stated this at the 1st Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, FCT, described the Nigeria’s current trajectory as one that demands shared responsibility, not blame.

Addressing participants at the summit, Inuwa emphasised that reforming the Nigerian economy to deliver sustained and inclusive growth is not a task for the government alone.

The Director-General of NITDA urged stakeholders to move from critique to co-creation in national policy efforts.

He also stated: “There are things the government can do that civil society cannot, and there are things the government can do that you cannot do.

“But together, we can achieve greater things.”

Outlining the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reform, national security, agricultural transformation, natural resource development, infrastructure expansion, social sector enhancement, industrial diversification, and improved governance, the NITDA Chief stressed the importance of national consensus in achieving meaningful progress.

“If we agree on this vision, then we must move forward together, irrespective of who is in government.

“What matters is continuity of vision, and the collective will to implement it.”

Inuwa further advocated the strategic use of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity in key sectors, such as agriculture, health and education.

In regard to ongoing collaborations, he equally disclosed that the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency is currently supporting the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in deploying a digital citizen engagement platform powered by AI.

According to him, the initiative is designed to co-create impactful policies with the Nigerian youths.

The Director-General stated: “Technology gives us tools to scale ideas and boost productivity tenfold. “Nigeria does not lack ideas; what we need are the tools, and will to implement them on time.”

Inuwa as well underscored the importance of trust-building through government- civil society engagement.

The trust deficit between government and citizens often stems from a lack of interaction, said he.

Inuwa averred: “Mr. President has a vision for Nigeria. Therefore, we should all work together to support him in achieving that vision.

“If we agree, we have a consensus that will help us to build trust. And when we build trust, we can win the battle today and make Nigeria great.”

He also explained that the summit provided a critical forum for stakeholders to align on national priorities, deepen civic participation, and reinforce civil society’s role in steering Nigeria towards sustainable development and democratic consolidation.