NITDA inaugurates multistakeholders’ group to deepen digital governance in Nigeria

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, says the inauguration of the Multistakeholder Coordination Group, in Nigeria, is expected to enhance cooperation among key stakeholders, and reinforce efforts to build a more transparent, inclusive and digitally driven governance system

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of current efforts at strengthening collaboration and sustaining Nigeria’s growing reputation in digital governance, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated a Multistakeholder Coordination Group.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, while speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, FCT, described the country’s recent global recognition in digital governance as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

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Cautioning stakeholders against complacency, Inuwa said Nigeria must intensify efforts at maintaining and improving its standing.

He also stated: “Recognition comes with responsibility. If the global community recognises what we are doing, it means we must do more to sustain that progress.”

The Director-General of NITDA attributed Nigeria’s strides in digital transformation to deliberate investments in policy frameworks and regulations, including the National E-Governance and Digital Economy Bill, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, as well as instruments such as the Interoperability Framework and the Nigerian Government Enterprise Architecture.

He equally explained that while these frameworks have strengthened the country’s digital foundation, greater coordination and inclusive participation are required to sustain progress—hence the establishment of the Multistakeholder Coordination Group.

The Chief Executive of the agency emphasised the need for inclusivity.

He urged the stakeholders to ensure that underserved communities, persons with disabilities, children and the elderly are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.

He identified improved connectivity and digital literacy as critical enablers.

Review of NITDA’s regulatory achievements, by Inuwa

Highlighting the agency’s regulatory achievements, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA reviewed Information Technology (IT) projects valued at over ₦1.5 trillion across Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the past year, saving more than ₦319 billion.

He, however, noted persistent challenges, revealing that over 56 percent of IT projects have historically failed to meet expectations due to poor planning and inadequate technical oversight.

To address this, he said NITDA is introducing stricter guidelines to ensure proper system design, professional certification and quality assurance.

Inuwa further emphasised the need to institutionalise reforms.

The Chief Executive of NITDA as well warned that progress must not be dependent on individuals. He aligned the initiative with the digital transformation agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for accountability in governance.

He said: “We need stakeholders to hold us accountable for what we promise to deliver.”

In her remarks, Gloria Ahmed, National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership in Nigeria, commended NITDA for the initiative.

Ahmed described it as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration across the digital ecosystem.

She noted that the move aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability and citizen participation.

According to her, technology remains central to building trust in governance.

Ahmed also highlighted Nigeria’s achievements under the Open Government Partnership, particularly its recognition at the 2025 Global Summit in Spain, and urged sustained momentum.

She highlighted the Fourth National Action Plan, which includes commitments on digital governance and the development of a national Digital Public Infrastructure, including the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform, aimed at improving coordination and service delivery.

The success of these initiatives, Ahmed stated, will depend on active collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector.

The inauguration of the Multistakeholder Coordination Group is expected to enhance cooperation among key stakeholders, and reinforce efforts to build a more transparent, inclusive and digitally driven governance system in Nigeria.

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