*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, highlights the need for increased infrastructure investments, and integration of digital, conventional infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s industrial capacity
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said technology remains a leading enabler of the country’s economic development and growth in Nigeria.
NITDA noted that expanding digital infrastructure is crucial to activating the industrialisation plan of the West African country.
ConsumerConnect reports the Information Technology (IT) regulatory agency stated this during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026).
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industries (NACCIMA) organises the event in Abuja, FCT, with the theme: “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria”.
In his goodwill message on the occasion, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, highlighted the need for increased infrastructure investments and the integration of digital and conventional infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
Inuwa noted that integrated infrastructure is essential for long-term growth, efficient and robust urban environments, and the overall well-being of communities in this digital era.
The agency also quoted Inuwa to have said: “We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure.
“All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated.
“So, there is a need to integrate digital in the conventional infrastructure we are building.”
The Director-General of NITDA commended the Federal Government on supporting the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the renewed campaign to redouble infrastructure assets in the country.
The Chief Executive of the agency as well assured participants that the agency is open to partnering with NACCIMA, and other stakeholders to bolster up the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
He stated: “The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure.
“NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure.”
Priority areas of INFRACON 2026, by NACCIMA President
In his welcome address, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA, told participants that INFRACON 2026 is conceived to serve as Nigeria’s foremost platform for mobilising private capital, innovative ideas, and strategic partnerships for infrastructure development.
Ibrahim urged participants to approach the conference with a spirit of partnership, innovation, and action.
The President of NACCIMA is taking urgent measures to identify committed partners, promote investment-ready opportunities, and monitor progress towards achieving the national economic target in the next few years.
Ibrahim announced that this year’s conference focuses on priority areas, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and infrastructure for industrialisation and export growth.
Appreciating the conference participants and sponsors, the president promised that NACCIMA is ready to walk with all stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.
He stated: “Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity.
“Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy.”