Green Techs: NITDA’s initiatives, programmes will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem –Inuwa

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, speaks at recent 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue, restating the IT sector regulatory agency’s unwavering focus on advancing the Nigeria Digital Economy through crucial green technology, as well as innovation initiatives and programmes

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of stakeholders’ efforts at adopting green technologies and innovation for country’s digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its firm focus on advancing the Nigeria Digital Economy through crucial green technology and innovation initiatives.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this in his address at the recent 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED 2025).

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The Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) organised the forum with the theme, “Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Business and Society”.

Inuwa, represented at the event by Lukman Lamid, Special Adviser to the Director-General on Innovation and Research, commended the Young Innovators of Nigeria for hosting a “timely and visionary dialogue”.

He also applauded the group’s consistent efforts at promoting innovation, nurturing young talents, and driving sustainable solutions vital for national development.

Hajia Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, also stated the Director-General said: “TED 2025, once again, proves that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today.”

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According to Inuwa, the event highlighted the pivotal role of the country’s young innovators in shaping the future.

The NITDA Chief Executive further averred that the theme of the event aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts manufacturing, and innovation.

Some NITDA’s interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, by Inuwa

Expatiating some of NITDA’s interventions to strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria, Inuwa enumerated several initiatives, including the establishment of Technology and Innovation Hubs across the West African country.

He equally listed some other programmes, such as iHatch, the National Innovation Challenge, IgniteHer, We Elevate, and Renewed Hope Innovation Nest.

Besides these promising efforts, Inuwa as well cited partnerships and collaborations that have promoted research and development in frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain technology and clean energy.

Underscoring the overarching objectives of the agency’s initiatives, Inuwa noted these were designed to ensure inclusive innovation that would embrace the youths, women, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Nigerian digital ecosystem.

The Director-General further stated: “These initiatives are designed to ensure that innovation is inclusive—reaching youth, women, and MSMEs across Nigeria—while equipping them with digital tools to create scalable solutions.”

He averred that embracing green technology is not optional but a necessity, as he urged collaborations between the government, industry, academia, and citizens to build a digital, green, and inclusive future.

Inuwa, therefore, assured stakeholders that NITDA remains committed to partnerships that would enable Nigeria to lead Africa in leveraging green technology for growth, jobs, and sustainable development.

On efficient power system and sustainable development

Also in his keynote address at TED 2025, Dr. Krakrafaa Bestman, a sustainability expert, acknowledged that millions of Nigerian consumers still lack reliable electricity.

Dr. Bestman, said the country, however, is richly blessed with solar, wind, hydro, and human capital resources to generate and build an efficient and effective power system. He also emphasised these natural endowments presented huge opportunities to bridge the energy gap and stimulate sustainable development in the economy.

In respect of Nigeria’s energy transition targets, the expert unveiled plans to generate 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and deploy 5GW of solar capacity. Bestman referenced ongoing initiatives, such as the Nigerian Electrification Project and community-based mini-grids designed to expand access, particularly in rural areas.

He underscored the importance of adopting circular economy practices, including recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, as a means of reducing pollution while creating new economic opportunities.

Critical success factors in energy transition process

Dr. Bestman, however, cautioned that for the transition to succeed, Nigeria should consider three priorities.

These, he stated, are reforms to attract investment and incentivise renewable energy adoption; greater business commitment to clean energy sourcing and community partnerships; and innovations that deliver safe, affordable, and locally adaptable technologies.

He, however, cautioned against the risks associated with renewable energy systems, such as battery hazards and poorly installed solar panels, stressing the need for strict safety standards and comprehensive lifecycle management.

Bestman asserted: “Green technologies must not only drive businesses but also protect the future.”

Urging Nigerians to embrace innovation and collaboration for sustainable development,

He added: “The world is waiting for Nigeria’s leadership in building a resilient and sustainable energy system.”

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