FMCIDE, NITDA boost strategic collaboration to advance Nigeria Digital Economy –Inuwa

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, reiterates the agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, towards accelerating digital transformation, policy alignment across the sector in Nigeria

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Inuwa said the intensifying the collaborative efforts with the FMCIDE would help to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen policy alignment across the sector in Nigeria.

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The Director-General of the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency stated this while speaking during a courtesy visit to his office by Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, in Abuja, FCT.

Inuwa described the mutual engagement as a significant demonstration of FMCIDE’s support and leadership.

The Chief Executive of NITDA further observed that sustained collaboration between both institutions is essential to delivering the Nigeria Digital Economy agenda.

Inuwa also recalled previous engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which the agency shared its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives

Continuous dialogue, the Director-General stated, has strengthened alignment between FMCIDE and NITDA.

On key policy areas of collaboration

Malam Inuwa highlighted key policy areas requiring continued collaboration, including the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.

He stated: “We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies.”

He equally stressed the  importance of clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect in enhancing operational effectiveness and inter-agency cooperation.

Inuwa also revealed that NITDA has been at the forefront of implementing the Performance Management System (PMS), having introduced the framework internally several years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.

The Chief Executive of the agency said: “We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms.”

Initiatives, such as Project NEXT, have strengthened accountability, role clarity, and measurable outcomes across the agency, noted he.

Inuwa asserted: “If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance.”

The Director-General further highlighted NITDA’s transformation from a traditional regulatory institution into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.

He stated: “We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation.”

The NITDA Chief explained that the agency is embracing a more flexible and entrepreneurial culture that empowers staff to contribute ideas and drive institutional growth.

Speaking during the visit also, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of FMCIDE, restated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with its agencies.

He described partnership as fundamental to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Gagare explained: “If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved.

“But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now.”

The Permanent Secretary said that the visit formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with agencies under its supervision to strengthen policy coordination, assess progress, and address operational challenges requiring higher-level intervention.

He, therefore, applauded the Management and Staff of NITDA for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, acknowledging the Agency’s contributions to digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and the creation of opportunities for startups and young innovators.

He said,: “NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry as well emphasised the importance of policy coherence among institutions within the Ministry.

The agency’s mandates are interconnected and must be implemented seamlessly, said he.

Assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and institutional support, Gagare stated: “Your mandates are inputs into one another.

“That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,”

He further highlighted ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, particularly the adoption of the Performance Management System, which promotes accountability, clear target-setting, and measurable performance outcomes.

The Permanent Secretary noted: “When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. “Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service.”

The agency said the Ministry’s visit showcased the shared commitment of both FMCIDE and NITDA to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through stronger collaboration, innovation, and effective governance, with the strengthened partnership expected to play a critical role in delivering inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and sustainable national development.

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