NITDA, NNPC (RTI) partner on digital transformation of energy sector

*The National Information Technology Development Agency and the Research, Technology and Innovation Unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited collaborate to explore ways to leverage emerging technologies to reposition the country’s energy industry

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at driving digital transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Research, Technology and Innovation Unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited are planning to accelerate these efforts with a strategic partnership.

NITDA said the collaboration with the NNPCL’s NTI was the focus of a recent engagement between both organisations, during which they explored ways to leverage emerging technologies to reposition Nigeria’s energy industry.

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Commenting on the two organisations’ collaboration at the meeting, in Abuja, FCT, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, emphasised the need for NNPC Limited to abandon the age-old traditional dependence on the “exploitation” of oil and gas resources, and adopt a more innovative approach centred on the “exploration” of technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoTs), and robotics engineering.

Inuwa said Information Technology (IT) had become a critical enabler across sectors.

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The Director-General also noted that innovation would play a major role in shaping the future of energy production, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria.

As regards NITDA’s strategic priorities, Inuwa stated these include promoting digital literacy, nurturing local talent, strengthening research ecosystems, and advancing indigenous technology solutions. According to him, reducing reliance on foreign technologies while encouraging homegrown innovation is essential to achieving digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.

The Chief Executive of Nigeria’s IT sector regulatory agency further revealed that NITDA would be supporting NNPCL in building a stronger innovation channel that could link the company with Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.

Inuwa emphasised that digital startups would be encouraged, through incubation programmes and innovation challenges, to develop practical solutions tailored to the oil and gas industry.

The agency as well revealed the engagement highlighted NITDA’s initiatives, aimed at fostering innovation among young Nigerians, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

It noted that many of Youth Corps members are already developing solutions to real-world challenges through the agency’s programmes.

Earlier, Mr. Olatomiwa Olaniyi, Director of NNPC RTI, said the visit was aimed at co-creating solutions and building a formidable partnership framework to accelerate innovation across the energy value chain.

Olaniyi emphasised that collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and the technological ecosystem is critical to achieving sustainable innovation.

Presenting the mandate of the RTI Unit, he said its focus is on driving excellence through innovation to improve operational efficiency, boost revenue generation, and support sustainable growth across NNPC’s business areas, including upstream, gas, power, and new energy.

The Director of NNPC RTI explained the unit operates a structured innovation framework built around strengthening research capabilities, developing prototypes, fostering strategic partnerships, attracting talent, and promoting a culture of continuous innovation.

According to NITDA, both organisations underscored the importance of enabling policies and regulatory frameworks in driving innovation.

Inuwa noted that effective implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act would be key to supporting emerging technology ventures and scaling ideas into commercially viable solutions.

The agency added the partnership with the NNPCL NTI is expected to strengthen the role of technology and innovation as drivers of efficiency, diversification, and sustainable growth in the energy sector of the Nigerian economy.

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