*The National Information Technology Development Agency and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture strike a strategic partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, foster innovation, and empower businesses across the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As part of efforts at building an inclusive, competitive digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have inked a strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation agenda, foster innovation, and empower businesses across Nigeria through technology-driven growth.
ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed the IT sector regulatory agency, formally consummated their collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NACCIMA on the sideline of the ongoing the sideline of the GITEX Nigeria holding in Abuja, FCT, and Lagos respectively.
MoU a significant milestone for ‘inclusive, competitive digital economy’
The two organisations formalised the partnership as Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, and Engr. Olusola Obadimu, Director-General of NACCIMA signed the MoU.
It is noted the signing of their the partnership agreement has marked a significant milestone in the Nigeria’s journey towards building “an inclusive and competitive digital economy”.
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Engr. Obadimu described the agreement as a timely and strategic intervention for the private sector of the Nigerian economy.
The Director-General emphasised that digital transformation has become imperative for businesses seeking relevance and competitiveness in today’s global economy.
He also stated: “It is an excellent arrangement to have this type of protocol on digitisation and digital transformation, especially for the private sector
“NACCIMA is the umbrella body of the organised private sector in Nigeria, and digital transformation is a necessity.
“There is no better partner to work with than NITDA, and we are happy to sign this MoU and move the partnership forward.”
NITDA also said the agreement with NACCIMA provided a structured framework for collaboration in several key areas of the economy.
These, the agency noted, included the development of a collaborative digital ecosystem platform, enterprise digital transformation for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promotion of digital innovation and technology adoption, capacity building for Nigerian businesses, and strategic cooperation towards the successful development and institutionalisation of the Digital Nigeria International Conference (DNICE) 2026 and subsequent editions.
It further explained the partnership seeks to facilitate stronger linkages among government institutions, private sector organisations, technology companies, academia, investors, development partners, and other stakeholders, creating an enabling environment for innovation and economic growth.
Digitalisation, the way to go, says Obadimu
Underscoring the urgency of implementation, the Director-General of NACCIMA affirmed that both organisations are prepared to commence execution of the agreement immediately.
Obadimu declared: “We are going to hit the ground running as soon as we return to our offices for the implementation of this agreement.
“Nigerians will begin to see things happen almost instantaneously.”
The partnership holds immense prospects for Nigeria, particularly for the country’s growing youth population, who are increasingly driving innovation and digital entrepreneurship, said he.
The NACCIMA Chief Executive asserted: “Digitalisation is the way to go. As you can see, we have a youthful population, and they are the ones driving this process.
“We should encourage them and give them all the necessary support to go beyond Nigeria and compete on the global stage.”
NITDA as well noted the collaboration aligns with its broader mandate of driving Nigeria’s digital economy through tech innovation, digital literacy, and business transformation.
The IT sector regulatory agency will also leverage NACCIMA’s extensive network and influence across the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Nigeria.