*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, partners with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission to accelerate digital skills, innovation and economic growth across the South-West region
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
As part of efforts at accelerating digital literacy and innovation development, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has forged a strategic partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to accelerate economic growth across South-West Nigeria.
In his remarks at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in Abuja, FCT, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, described the agreement as a significant step toward leveraging human capital and fostering regional collaboration to drive sustainable national development.
June 12: Nigerian President bestows National Honours on 50 heroes, heroines of democracy (Full List)
ConsumerConnect reports NITDA said Inuwa commended the South-West region of the country for its longstanding culture of cooperation.
The Director-General noted that the collective action remains essential for national progress.
Inuwa also said: “The South-West continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. “Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation.
“For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, saying investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
According to him, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop local solutions with national and global impact.
Inuwa highlights efforts at deepening digital transformation
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts at strengthening digital transformation nationwide, the Director-General of NITDA said the agency is scaling digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development across the country.
Inuwa explained that innovation flourishes where talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies intersect, making it important for every region to identify and strengthen its comparative advantages.
The NITDA Chief Executive further stated: “Lagos has already established itself as a Financial Technology (FinTech) hub and the commercial centre of the country.
“Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors.
“Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters.”
He, therefore, expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Agency’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest.
Both organisations, Inuwa said, had already begun working together prior to the formalisation of the agreement, urging a swift action following the signing ceremony.
He equally noted: “We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes.
“While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU.”
DAWN highlights significance of digital literacy for Nigerians
In his remarks too, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, highlighted the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Oyeleye affirmed that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, views the partnership with NITDA as a strategic vehicle for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
The Director-General of DAWN Commission also explained Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL).
He acknowledged that the South-West Nigeria has a pivotal role to play in achieving the national objective.
Oyeleye stated: “Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030.
“South-West Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success.”
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
The Commission will leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the six South-West states to bridge Federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people, noted the Director-General of the Commission.
He averred: “We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened.
“Our reach across the South-West positions us to connect Federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.”
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The MoU reflects the shared determination of both organisations to advance digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens across South-West Nigeria, further supporting the country’s journey toward a robust and inclusive digital economy.
This version improves readability, strengthens attribution, and adopts a more polished newspaper-style structure suitable for publication.