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NITDA Urges Deeper State Collaboration on Digital Transformation
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with state governments to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
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Abdullahi made the call during the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, held virtually. The event convened policymakers, technology leaders, and civil society organisations. It also included other ecosystem players to deliberate on strategies for fast-tracking digital development in the region.
Sub-National Alignment Critical to Digital Economy Success
According to the NITDA Director General, progress has been recorded at the federal level. But the true measure of success lies in how effectively national digital policies are implemented at the state level. He stressed that sustainable digital transformation depends on states domesticating national frameworks and establishing clear governance and execution structures.
Abdullahi noted that several states have set up ICT-focused ministries and agencies. But some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured implementation mechanisms. He assured stakeholders that NITDA remains committed to providing technical guidance and advisory support to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.
Digital Literacy at the Heart of Inclusive Growth
The NITDA boss reiterated that digital literacy remains central to inclusive economic growth. He disclosed that under the National Digital Literacy Framework, NITDA aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030.
Working in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been integrated into school curricula. Teachers across the country are undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-enabled learning. States in the South-South zone were encouraged to ensure educators in both public and private schools actively participate in the initiative.
Upskilling Public Servants for Efficient Governance
Abdullahi also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance digital competencies within the public sector. In collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, over 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training programmes.
He revealed that similar initiatives are being considered for rollout across South-South states to improve governance efficiency and public service delivery through technology adoption.
Partnerships Driving Digital Inclusion
On partnerships, the NITDA Director General pointed to collaborations with Cisco, which offers access to self-paced digital skills courses, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose digital champions carry out grassroots sensitisation in markets, worship centres, motor parks, and among senior citizens.
He urged stakeholders in the region to strengthen coordination and co-create practical initiatives that expand digital inclusion and empower underserved communities.
Cross River Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Development
In his contribution, Justin Atiang Beshel, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
He said the state is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the foundation for e-government services, and skills development. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities including job creation. innovation and enhance service delivery across the state.
Strategic Partnerships Key to Bridging the Digital Divide
The commissioner noted that there are challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects. But he expressed optimism about the role of strategic partnerships. According to him, collaboration with NITDA and private sector players is essential to narrowing the digital divide.and strengthening cybersecurity resilience. All these are critical to ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Beshel maintained that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River State as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s expanding technology landscape.
