{"id":5689,"date":"2026-10-28T07:46:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?p=5689"},"modified":"2026-10-28T08:18:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T08:18:19","slug":"nitda-us-chamber-of-commerce-in-strategic-partnership-to-advance-nigeria-digital-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?p=5689","title":{"rendered":"NITDA, US Chamber of Commerce in strategic partnerships to advance Nigeria Digital Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>*<strong><em>The National Information Technology Development Agency discloses a delegation comprising representatives from Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council, and the United States Chamber of Commerce visited its Abuja Headquarters,&nbsp; to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the US in digital transformation, cloud computing, AI, data governance and technology investment<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect<\/p>\n<p>The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has restated Nigeria\u2019s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and competitive digital economy through strategic partnerships with global tech companies.<\/p>\n<p>NITDA said the West African country\u2019s digital policies were designed to attract investment, strengthen local capacity, and secure its digital future.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5694 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00292-1024x531.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00292-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00292-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00292-768x398.jpg 768w, https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00292.jpg 1266w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA and Kendra Gaither, President of the US Africa Business CentrMalam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA (centre), in a Group Photograph with Members of the US Delegation and Top Staff During the Visit to the Agency&#8217;s Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>ConsumerConnect<\/em> reports&nbsp; Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this while receiving a delegation comprising representatives from Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council, and the United States (US) Chamber of Commerce, led by Kendra Gaither, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Centre, during a visit to the agency, in Abuja, FCT.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"MQTaBFzwb0\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?p=5696\">Guinness Nigeria CEO Sharma urges marketers, agencies to make consumers focus of business growth<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cGuinness Nigeria CEO Sharma urges marketers, agencies to make consumers focus of business growth\u201d \u2014 Consumer Experience Is A Top Priority\" src=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?p=5696&amp;embed=true#?secret=vLxcYcGwZm#?secret=MQTaBFzwb0\" data-secret=\"MQTaBFzwb0\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The IT sector regulatory agency disclosed the representatives of the international organisations visited its headquarters to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in digital transformation, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, data governance and technology investment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Objectives of Nigeria&#8217;s digital transformation m, by Inuwa<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inuwa explained that Nigeria\u2019s digital transformation agenda is anchored on two fundamental objectives.<\/p>\n<p>He said the agenda was designed to ensure the&nbsp; citizens have reliable access to essential digital services, thereby positioning them to participate meaningfully in value creation within the burgeoning digital economy.<\/p>\n<p>The Director-General of NITDA also stated: \u201cOur policy intent is just about two things.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;First, to make sure our citizens have basic access, no matter what.&nbsp; &#8220;What I mean by no matter what means we should have a capacity for digital self-determination.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Inuwa explained that the agency\u2019s Sovereign Cloud initiative is intended to strengthen national control over critical digital infrastructure, enhance resilience against disruptions, mitigate risks, and provide flexibility in the adoption of technology solutions in the digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Digital sovereignty, he noted, should not be interpreted as an attempt to exclude international technology companies, but rather as an opportunity to encourage them to invest in Nigeria\u2019s digital infrastructure and collaborate with local businesses to deliver sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n<p>Inuwa further explained: \u201cIt\u2019s not about politics. It\u2019s not about locking our doors against anybody. But it\u2019s about inviting you to come and build with us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>On advancing local infrastructure and capacity <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The NITDA Chief Executive further highlighted the importance of developing local infrastructure and capacity to ensure that Nigeria derives greater economic value from its growing digital market.<\/p>\n<p>Inuwa asserted that investments in domestic data centres and cloud infrastructure would create opportunities for local businesses, support innovation, and strengthen the country\u2019s position as a technology hub for West and Central Africa.<\/p>\n<p>The Director-General of the agency revealed the Nigerian Government had invested over \u20a64.5 trillion in Information Technology (IT) between June 2023 and June 2026.<\/p>\n<p>According to him, appropriate infrastructure and policy frameworks could help to channel relevant government technology services towards locally hosted sovereign cloud solutions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Focus on data localisation and regulatory compliance <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Highlighting the strategic importance of the subject, Inuwa also addressed current concerns surrounding data localisation and regulatory compliance, particularly in the financial technology ecosystem in Nigeria.<\/p>\n<p>He assured that NITDA is working with relevant&nbsp; regulators, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to develop an assurance framework that would provide clarity on technical requirements, support compliance and encourage investment in local infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Significance of resilience, flexibility in digital ecosystem <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Emphasising the importance of resilience and flexibility, Inuwa also said: \u201cWe need that portability.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf Google has better services, I should be able to move my services from Microsoft to Google or AWS.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He insisted that regulatory policies must create an environment where technology providers could compete fairly while the government and businesses retain the flexibility to adopt solutions that best meet their needs.<\/p>\n<p>Inuwa also underscored the importance of collaboration in developing effective digital policies.<\/p>\n<p>NITDA previously, had worked with major technology companies, local providers, and other stakeholders in shaping Nigeria\u2019s cloud-first policy, stated he.<\/p>\n<p>The NITDA Chief encouraged members of the delegation to sustain engagement with the agency, and explore practical ways of aligning their investments and solutions with Nigeria&#8217;s digital priorities.<\/p>\n<p>Responding to a proposal by Kavista Holdings for collaboration in digital transformation, workforce development and employment-oriented skills programmes, Inuwa invited the company to formally submit its proposal for assessment by the relevant NITDA team.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier in her remarks, Kendra Gaither, leader of the delegation, had reaffirmed the American business community\u2019s interest in deepening commercial engagement with Nigeria.<\/p>\n<p>Gaither, in her remarks, identified digital transformation, regulatory clarity and investment predictability as critical to expanding bilateral economic cooperation with the country.<\/p>\n<p>She also described Nigeria as an important player in Africa\u2019s information technology and digital economy landscape.<\/p>\n<p>The header of the delegation further said the West African country\u2019s policy direction had significant implications for businesses operating across the sub-region, and the wider African continent.<\/p>\n<p>Gaither disclosed the delegation was seeking constructive dialogue with NITDA, to better understand Nigeria\u2019s evolving digital regulatory environment and identify practical ways to support shared economic and innovation objectives.<\/p>\n<p>She emphasised that a secure, competitive and predictable regulatory environment would benefit Nigerian businesses, US companies and other international investors by providing clearer expectations for compliance and long-term investment decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Gaither as well highlighted concerns around overlapping regulatory responsibilities and areas requiring greater clarity, particularly in cloud computing, data governance and financial services.<\/p>\n<p>She equally noted that companies wanted to comply with Nigeria\u2019s requirements, and continue expanding their operations in the country&#8217;s digital space.<\/p>\n<p>Gaither acknowledged Nigeria\u2019s growing leadership in digital policy and trade discussions across the continent, expressing the Chamber\u2019s readiness to draw on international experience and facilitate further engagement between NITDA and its member companies.<\/p>\n<p>She maintained that sustained dialogue would help address uncertainties, strengthen confidence and create opportunities for partnerships that advance Nigeria\u2019s digital transformation while supporting the commercial interests of US businesses.<\/p>\n<p>The US Chamber of Commerce delegation included representatives of technology, financial services and investment organisations, including Microsoft and Citi, as well as members of the American Business Council and the US Embassy in Nigeria.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>*The National Information Technology Development Agency discloses a delegation comprising representatives from Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council, and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA and Kendra Gaither, President of the US Africa Business Centre         Photos: NITDA","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_customify_content_layout":"","_customify_sidebar":"","_customify_page_header_display":"default","_customify_disable_header":"","_customify_disable_header_top":"","_customify_disable_header_main":"","_customify_disable_header_bottom":"","_customify_disable_page_title":"","_customify_disable_content_vertical_padding":"","_customify_disable_footer_top":"","_customify_disable_footer_main":"","_customify_disable_footer_bottom":"","_customify_breadcrumb_display":"","_customify_header_transparent_display":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[20,4,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-highlights","category-markets","category-regulators"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302.jpg",1246,664,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302-300x160.jpg",300,160,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302-768x409.jpg",768,409,true],"large":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302-1024x546.jpg",843,449,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302.jpg",1246,664,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG-20261027-WA00302.jpg",1246,664,false]},"author_info":{"info":["ConsumerConnect"]},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?cat=20\" rel=\"category\">Highlights<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?cat=4\" rel=\"category\">Markets<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/consumerconnectng.com\/?cat=8\" 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