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DG Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi highlights SRAP 2.0, AI, and digital skills as Nigeria shifts from oil reliance to technology-driven growth.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive digital economy.
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This commitment was reaffirmed at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions aimed at advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies.”
Nigeria’s Future Lies in Technology, Not Oil
Abdullahi addressed a diverse audience that included policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s future prosperity will increasingly hinge on harnessing technology, innovation, and human capital. According to him, this shift away from reliance on natural resources is critical for sustainable growth.
He noted that the global digital economy offers unprecedented opportunities for Africa and Nigeria. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms are key drivers.
These technologies can help create jobs, attract investments, and significantly improve productivity across the continent.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he stated.
AI and Digital Transformation Across Industries
He noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries across the world and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development. He further highlighted NITDA’s ongoing implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The keynote also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
Niger Delta as Emerging Tech Hub
A diverse range of stakeholders convened at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo. Their deliberations covered critical topics such as Artificial Intelligence, startup development, and digital skills. Innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth were also on the agenda.
Participants at the event explored opportunities to position the Niger Delta as a leading hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship. They also examined strategies to tackle key challenges in the region.
These challenges include skills development, startup financing, infrastructure gaps, and technology commercialisation.
NITDA Engages Stakeholders, Showcases Flagship Programmes
NITDA used the event to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. These included technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners.
The goal was to explore collaborative opportunities that would advance digital inclusion and promote innovation-led development.
The Agency took the opportunity to showcase several of its flagship initiatives. Among them were the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). Additionally, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) programmes were highlighted.
Observers Commend NITDA’s Leadership
Observers at the event praised NITDA’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. They highlighted the Agency’s growing impact through its various interventions.
These include supporting startups, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
Renewed Commitment to Collaboration
The Expo concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support innovation, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
Nigeria is continuing its digital transformation journey. In light of this, NITDA has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, developing talent, and enabling innovation. The Agency also aims to build a technology-driven economy that ensures sustainable prosperity for every citizen.
