NITDA strengthens creative economy with digital initiatives, enabling frameworks

*Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency avers the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s focus on diversifying the economy through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative and arts industry through targeted digital initiatives, enabling regulations, and strategic infrastructure development in the ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA said the move aligned with the current administration’s focus on diversifying the economy through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also said the initiative was aimed at unlocking the sector’s full economic potential in Nigeria.

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, who noted this while speaking at Moment 2026, Africa’s Largest Convergence of Creators, emphasised the agency is focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem where creators could thrive, innovate, and compete globally.

Highlighting the growing importance of the sector, Inuwa, represented at the event by Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director of the Director-General’s Office at NITDA, revealed that Nigeria’s creative industry, is currently valued at over $9 billion.

The agency further said the high net worth could exceed $13 billion in the coming years with the right support systems in place.

He also stated: “Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators.

“What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force.”

Inuwa equally explained that at the core of NITDA’s interventions is digital talent development.

He mentioned that through flagship programmes, such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the regulatory agency is equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media, ensuring they are prepared for emerging opportunities in the global creator economy.

On National Sovereign Cloud Initiative

The intersection of creativity and technology is central to the future of the industry, said he.

Inuwa as well averred: “Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data.

“A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world.”

To support this transformation, Inuwa stated that NITDA is driving the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative.

According to him, the initiative provides secure, scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs.

NITDA, he stated, is supporting national Broadband expansion efforts, such as Project BRIDGE, to improve connectivity and expand participation in the Nigeria Digital Economy.

Besides infrastructure, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, critical elements for safeguarding creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe participation in online ecosystems.

The Director-General of the agency announced that NITDA is also leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation in the creative space.

Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Inuwa affirmed that NITDA is advancing research, and capacity building in Artificial Intelligence.

This enables creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.

Reinforcing the broader national vision and calling on young creators to recognise the economic and global significance of their work, he said.

The NITDA Chief asserted: “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”

He reiterated that NITDA would continue to implement policies, develop infrastructure, and foster innovation ecosystems that empower Nigeria’s creative sector.

This is with a view to growing sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda.

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