NITDA, OGP collaborate to drive presidential digital goals in Nigeria

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to open governance, transparency and inclusive digital development in alliance with the Open Government Partnership team

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has restated Nigeria’s commitment to open governance, transparency and inclusive digital development.

ConsumerConnect reports Inuwa’s affirmation followed the Open Government Partnership (OGP) team’s formal presentation of the award and certificate received at the recent OGP Global Summit Spain 2025 to the leadership of NITDA.

INEC: Amupitan champions electoral reform, improved infrastructure and voter education in Nigeria

Nigeria emerged as the overall global winner in the Digital Governance category in recognition of the country’s excellence in deploying digital tools and policies to strengthen government transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.

Besides, Nigeria received the Regional Award for advancing Open Digital Governance across Africa and the Middle East.

READ ALSO: Pepsi, Walmart Accused Of Price-Fixing, Market Manipulation In Lawsuit

CBN: PoS Operators Should Link Up NIBSS, UPSL For Dual Connectivity, System Efficiency

Telecoms: Tijani Highlights Measures To Track Fraudulent Phone Calls, Communication In Nigeria’s Space

NITDA described all these as reaffirmation of its leadership role in promoting open government principles and driving digital transformation across the region.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also said these recognitions were largely attributed to its initiatives in collaboration with civil society partners, such as Dataphyte, which showcased innovative and inclusive approaches to digital governance at the summit.

The summit, organised in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain attracted over 1,500 high-level representatives of governments, civil society leaders, and policymakers from around the world to exchange experiences, best practices, and progress on open government initiatives and implementation on key issues.

Receiving the OGP delegation at NITDA Headquarters in Abuja, Inuwa described the recognition as a national honour rather than an institutional one.

The Director-General as well stressed that the award reflects Nigeria’s collective efforts across government, civil society and the private sector in advancing open governance principles through the digital space.

According to him, such global recognition comes with heightened responsibility to deliver on commitments made under the OGP framework.

He stated: “This is not just about NITDA. It is a national recognition, and every recognition comes with responsibility.

“If we fail to execute the commitments we have made, they will not only affect our image locally but also at the international stage.”

The Director-General averred: “This is also not something NITDA can do in isolation.”

Inuwa also connected the global achievement directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasised digital transformation, transparency, economic diversification, job creation and efficient public service delivery remain central presidential priority areas.

Leveraging digital technologies to deepen openness and accountability aligns with national objectives of strengthening institutions, improving governance outcomes and building trust between government and citizens, stated he.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Inuwa further underscored the role of the OGP platform as a catalyst for a strong multi-stakeholder approach in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The Director-General of the agency urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), development partners, the private sector, and other government institutions to provide technical expertise, guidance and sustained engagement to ensure effective implementation of agreed commitments.

He said: “We need to leverage the OGP platform.

“We need your expertise, your guidance, your support and your commitment to hand-hold us in delivering on these commitments.”

He equally explained that “a multi-stakeholder approach in the digital space is critical to fostering a resilient ecosystem that delivers real value to citizens.”

Inuwa disclosed that NITDA has already begun internal reviews of its OGP commitments, and the agency has tasked its representatives, including Dr. Rousseau, to work with colleagues to develop a clear execution strategy.

He proposed the creation of joint work streams with OGP stakeholders to support implementation, ensure accountability and keep all parties on track.

“We are humans. Oversight and collaboration help us stay focused.

“With commitment, nothing is impossible, and I believe these goals are achievable.”

He assured the delegation of NITDA’s readiness and political will to deliver on all agreed commitments. Inuwa also welcomed the idea of engaging the political leadership of OGP, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, with a view to briefing President Tinubu on the achievement.

The NITDA Chief noted that celebrating milestones is important, as it reinforces morale and demonstrates that Nigeria’s efforts in digital governance are gaining global recognition.

Inuwa declared: “It’s also good when there are wins, we should celebrate, because we too never knew that the little things we are doing are noticed not just within Nigeria, but globally, to the extent of earning us this award.”

Inuwa expresses gratitude to the Nigerian National OGP Secretariat, and the global OGP leadership.

He restated NITDA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and building a more productive working relationship that would translate open governance principles into measurable national impact.

Earlier in his remark, Mr. Olusoji Apampa, who led the OGP delegation, said the honours were earned through a strong partnership between government and civil society, with NITDA playing a critical role, particularly in commitments focused on improving digital governance in Nigeria.

Apampa expressed hope that the awards would serve as added momentum to deepen ongoing commitments under NITDA’s leadership.

This is with a view to accelerating the practical implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening digital governance across the West African country.

Kindly Share This Story