By 
Digital Economy Seen as Catalyst for National Development
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and civil society to deepen collaboration in order to unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s digital economy and drive sustainable national development.
RELATED: NITDA takes over NGEA infrastructure, deepening Nigeria’s digital governance drive
Abdullahi made the call at the NITDA–States IT Stakeholders’ Engagement and Ecosystem Development Programme, themed “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries: Towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution,” held in Abuja.
Nigeria at a Critical Economic Turning Point
Represented by Mr. Ajayi Babajide, Director of Zonal Office Coordination, the NITDA boss noted that Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy by GDP—is at a pivotal moment that requires urgent economic diversification.
Ajayi Babajide
He stressed that the digital economy offers a strategic pathway to sustainable growth, job creation, and inclusive development, especially as global economies become increasingly interconnected through digitalisation.
According to him, digital technologies are transforming access to knowledge, lowering barriers to entry, and enabling developing nations to compete more effectively on the global stage.
NITDA’s Mandate and Strategic Roadmap
Abdullahi reaffirmed NITDA’s mandate to coordinate and drive digital innovation nationwide, with a focus on creating an enabling environment that empowers all sectors of the economy, including underserved communities.
He highlighted the implementation of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is designed to deliver life-transforming opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. He also pointed to the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), aimed at equipping citizens with essential digital skills for a fast-evolving economy.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure and Skills Development
The Director General disclosed that NITDA has established over 100 IT centres across the country, providing infrastructure to support digital learning and skills acquisition. However, he emphasised that sustaining and scaling these initiatives will require stronger partnerships with key stakeholders.
He called for closer collaboration among federal and state governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society, noting that innovation thrives where there are supportive policies, access to funding, and enabling regulatory frameworks.
Supporting Startups and Innovation Ecosystems
Abdullahi stressed the importance of investing in innovation hubs and incubators to nurture startups from ideation to market readiness. He noted that NITDA continues to support entrepreneurship through its special purpose vehicles, including the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
These platforms provide incubation, acceleration, and training programmes for startups and young innovators, helping to position Nigerian solutions for global competitiveness.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem has attracted significant investment and produced globally recognised startups, including unicorns, Abdullahi said sustained effort is needed to maintain momentum.
Digitalisation as a Tool for Inclusive Growth
The NITDA boss noted that digitalisation holds immense potential for economic diversification, employment generation, and inclusive growth, but warned that these benefits must be deliberately harnessed through robust policies, legal frameworks, and strong institutions.
He said the engagement created a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and align strategies for the effective rollout of digital initiatives across states in line with SRAP 2.0.
State Perspectives: Kogi’s Digital Strategy
In a keynote address, Eric Monday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kogi State, outlined the state’s digital strategy, which prioritises the application of technology in critical sectors such as healthcare, works, and environmental management.
He revealed that a skills acquisition centre, supported by development partners, is nearing completion and will soon begin training young people in relevant digital skills. He also disclosed that the state is expanding partnerships beyond Nigeria, including collaborations with Chinese organisations, to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.
Describing Kogi as a “land of opportunity,” he said the government is leveraging its strategic position as the Confluence State to attract investment and promote growth.
Commitment to Collective Action
Other dignitaries at the event included representatives from Nasarawa State and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), who echoed the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable digital transformation.
Abdullahi concluded by reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to fostering partnerships and providing the necessary support to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation, urging stakeholders to remain committed to building a future where innovation thrives and opportunities are widely accessible.
