NITDA, NIPSS strengthen collaboration for enhanced digital innovation, Orange Economy

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, underlines the growing importance of the Orange Economy, describing the model as a critical driver of innovation and economic value through intellectual property

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of its continued industry-wide collaborative efforts, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has hosted Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State capital, alongside participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA said the development had reinforced its avowed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through strengthened collaboration with key, strategic institutions.

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The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also noted the NIPSS team’s visit would build on an earlier strategic study tour.

According to NITDA, it offered a veritable platform for in-depth engagement on the role of digital innovation in driving sustainable economic growth, with particular focus on the Orange Economy.

Welcoming the visiting NIPSS delegation, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, highlighted the Agency’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem through inclusive policies, strategic partnerships, and capacity development initiatives.

Inuwa stated: “NITDA is committed to creating an enabling environment where innovation can thrive by bringing together government, private sector, academia, and creatives to drive Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Significance of Orange Economy, by NITDA Chief Executive

Represented by represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships of the agency, the Director-General also underscored the growing importance of the Orange Economy.

Inuwa describing the development model as a critical driver of innovation and economic value through intellectual property.

He further identified sectors, such as digital content creation, film, animation, and digital art as key contributors to national development.

The Director-General of NITDA noted: “The Orange Economy represents a powerful opportunity to transform our rich cultural heritage and creativity into sustainable economic growth.”

Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s unique advantage, especially the country’s youthful and creative population.

He equally advocated stronger collaboration among stakeholders to fully harness the sector’s potential in the economy.

Inuwa stated: “With our youthful population and rich cultural assets, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a global leader in the Orange Economy if we deepen collaboration and investment across the ecosystem.”

The agency revealed that during the engagement with the NIPSS delegation, NITDA also presented its strategic initiatives aimed at supporting the digital and creative sectors, including digital infrastructure development, promotion of digital literacy, and implementation of policies that enable startups and innovators to scale.

Addressing challenges confronting the sector

As regards measures to address industry challenges, Inuwa listed limited access to funding, infrastructure gaps, weak intellectual property protection, and ecosystem fragmentation, while emphasising the need for coordinated action by the stakeholders to contain these issues.

He said: “Addressing challenges such as funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and intellectual property protection is critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.”

The agency reiterated its target of achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027.

NITDA affirmed the ongoing programmes are equipping millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills, including those in underserved and informal sectors.

Prof. Omolayo: Visit to deepen understanding of digital techs in reshaping economy

In his remark during the visit, Prof. Omotayo described the visit to NITDA Headquarters, in Abuja, as an important opportunity to deepen understanding of how digital technologies are reshaping economic sectors, particularly the creative industry.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies said that the insights gathered would contribute significantly to policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic framework.

Participants of the SEC 48 programme as well engaged actively during the session, raising questions on capacity development, access to tools, and frameworks for protecting digital content.

NITDA highlighted its ongoing collaborations with industry stakeholders to provide training, innovation hubs, and access to digital tools for young Nigerians.

The IT sector regulator said the stakeholder engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from both organisations to strengthen collaboration in research, policy development, and capacity building, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive force in the digital and creative economy.

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