NITDA to South-South Leaders: Robust partnerships key to attaining digital economy goals

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, emphasises how the IT sector regulatory agency has recorded remarkable progress at the Federal level, stating the real measure of success lies in effectively translating national policies into actionable programmes within states

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has underscored the importance of deeper collaboration with state governments, saying sub-national alignment is essential to achieving Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, said this while speaking online at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders’ Forum, which brought together policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and ecosystem players to chart a path for accelerated digital development across the region.

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Inuwa noted that while the agency has made notable progress at the Federal level, the real measure of success lies in how effectively national policies are translated into actionable programmes within states.

According to him, digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies and establish clear implementation structures.

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He referenced key frameworks, including the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, observing that although several states have created ICT-focused ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured governance mechanisms.

NITDA, he assured, remains ready to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.

Digital literacy, he stressed, remains central to inclusive growth. Under the National Digital Literacy Framework, NITDA aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030.

Working with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been embedded in school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-driven learning.

States in the South-South were encouraged to ensure that educators in both public and private schools fully participate in the initiative.

The DG also highlighted ongoing efforts to upskill public servants. In collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, more than 54,000 Federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training.

Similar programmes, he said, are being considered for rollout across South-South states to enhance governance efficiency and public service delivery.

On partnerships, Inuwa pointed to collaborations with Cisco, which provide access to self-paced digital courses, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitisation in markets, worship centres, motor parks and among senior citizens.

He urged stakeholders in the zone to strengthen coordination and co-create practical initiatives to expand digital inclusion.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to leverage technology for sustainable development.

He said Cross River is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the backbone of e-government services, skills development, innovation and job creation. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery statewide.

Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, the Commissioner expressed optimism about strategic partnerships.

He described collaboration with NITDA and private sector players as critical to narrowing the digital divide, boosting cybersecurity resilience and ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.

Beshel maintained that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s growing technology landscape.

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