NITDA: Nigeria’s digital innovation, transformation efforts require joint action

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, highlights the importance of collaboration between government institutions and emerging startups as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital transformation, national development

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) again, has emphasised the significance of collaboration between government institutions and emerging startups as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital transformation and national development.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this while speaking at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026, in Abuja, FCT.

VehCAP: Nigeria bans importation of vehicles without certification, states penalties

Inuwa, at the event with the theme: “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria”, urged industry stakeholders to embrace partnerships as a pathway to innovation and impact.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency noted the Director-General said: “Take a good step, and you can make a difference.”

He also stressed the need to translate ideas into tangible outcomes through collective effort in the country.

Represented at the forum by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, the NITDA Chief Executive in his presentation on “Enhancing collaboration between government agencies and emerging start-ups”, outlined four guiding principles for driving transformation.

He enumerated them as enabling the ecosystem rather than controlling it; prioritising networks over institutions; developing talent while supporting innovation and adopting practical solutions; and focusing on platforms rather than isolated projects.

‘Innovation without adoption is wasted’

Explaining the inherent power of digital innovation, Inuwa as well shared the story of a rural farmer whose productivity challenges ranging from unstable rents to failed loans were overcome through access to digital tools and networks.

He explained that such incremental interventions could scale into broader economic gains, ultimately contributing to national infrastructure like satellite systems.

The Director-General of NITDA stated: “This is the power of space technology, and it shows why events like this are so important.”

In regard to the evolving role of space technology, Inuwa further observed that startups are increasingly driving innovation across telecommunications, navigation, security, and cloud services.

According to him, once dominated by global superpowers, the Innovation without adoption is wasted is now emerging as a key economic driver, with Nigeria’s “Sunrise Packet” projected to contribute over $1.5 billion pppppp the economy by 2030.

“Innovation without adoption is wasted,” he averred.

Inuwa highlighted the critical role of government in enabling start-ups to scale through supportive policies, infrastructure, and incentives.

Developmental regulation, he noted, should focus on creating markets, orchestrating ecosystems, and delivering public value rather than stifling innovation.

The Director-General also mentioned several initiatives supporting the growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, including the Digital Start-Up Act, Idea Hatch, and the National Digital Leadership Programme, all designed to empower young innovators and connect them to global opportunities.

He further highlighted platforms such as GITEX Africa, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria, which provide visibility for start-ups and attract investment, partnerships, and mentorship.

Inuwa concluded with a strong call for collaboration among government, start-ups, non-governmental organisations, and investors.

He equally described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset.

The NITDA Chief said: “If we are going to create a digital Nigeria, we must collaborate.”

‘Satellite infrastructure central to Nigeria’s digital future’

Speaking at the event also, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) described Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure as central to the nation’s digital future.

Dr. Tijani noted: “Nigeria is the only West African country with its own satellite.

“NigComSat provides critical connectivity and resilience, benefiting not just Nigeria but the entire region.”

The Minister also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the acquisition of NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s space capabilities.

He stressed, however, that infrastructure alone is not sufficient.

Tijani explained: “What truly matters is how we leverage this technology to improve agriculture, education, security, and business operations.”

He highlighted key government investments, including a ₦12 billion digital economy research cluster fund under Project Bridge, which will support academics and researchers nationwide. Nigeria is expanding its digital backbone through 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, nearly 4,000 telecoms towers in underserved communities, stated he.

The Minister said new satellite deployments would strengthen regional connectivity across countries, such as Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Benin.

He said: “The talent, ideas, and energy are all here in Nigeria. It is up to us to turn them into real outcomes for our people and the economy.”

The Nigerian Satellite Week continues to provide a strategic platform for collaboration among government, start-ups, academia, and the private sector, fostering innovation and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital and space economy.

Earlier, in welcome address to the event, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Ideyen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) said Nigeria’s space programme was entering a new phase marked by deliberate and focused growth.

Egerton-Ideyen pointed to strengthened institutional capacity, expanding partnerships, and clear economic gains.

She disclosed NigComSat’s revenue grew from less than $650 million 2023 to over $2 billion 2025.

Egerton-Ideyen also attributed the increase to key reforms, new commercial deals, and increasing demand for satellite broadband services across the African continent.

According to her, Nigeria has launched seven space assets in just over two decades.

She added that the West African country is shifting focus from prestige-driven initiatives to practical outcomes—enhancing connectivity, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive development.

Egerton-Ideyen noted that 500 young Nigerians received training in satellite technology within the past year, while over 50 startups have benefited from NigComSat’s accelerator programme.

Kindly Share This Story