Nigeria Needs Space Technology to Achieve Digital Transformation – DG NITDA

Nigeria Needs Space Technology to Achieve Digital Transformation – DG NITDA

TECH DIGEST – The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdulahi, says to achieve Digital Transformation in Nigeria, there is need to efficiently use of the vast opportunities embedded in the Space Technology ecosystem.

Abdullahi made this call Wednesday when he met with delegates from the Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers (NISEng) led by its National Chairman, Dr. Okpanachi George, visited to seek possible collaboration with the agency.

The NITDA boss said that it is a good development for federal government agencies to partner with private organizations, adding that NITDA as the regulator of IT in the country has put in place, policies and created an enabling environment for producers and professionals to come in and create innovations which will sustain a digital Nigeria.

He further stated that contrary to beliefs that satellites are obsolete, emerging technologies are now transforming the Space technology ecosystem which will evolve a new chapter and give rise to enormous transformation in the industry.

Abdullahi averred that the agency is excited to partner with the NISEng because the collaboration will drive innovations, as the Space Technology ecosystem is everywhere and encompasses different sectors such as the Communications, Agriculture and Security.

He said that the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics play a key role in the digital space and NITDA through its National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) will collaborate with the NISEng in coming up with ideas which will transform the country through initiatives such as the Research and Development, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Innovations.

The DG, who noted that capacity building is an important factor in research and development, added that the agency will give its support in capturing all demography, especially, the young start-ups in order to create a robust local content which will prepare and position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He expressed confidence that collaboration between the two organizations will exploit all possible innovations, ideas and commercialize them, which will consequently, transform NISEng into a competitive, globally standard institute and sustain a digital Nigeria as a whole.

Earlier in his remarks, Engr Dr. Okpanachi commended the NITDA DG and management staff for effectively driving the agency’s dynamism and passion in sustaining a digital Nigeria.

Dr. Opkanachi reiterated the desire of the institute to embark on deeper collaboration with NITDA on programmes that are insightfully valuable for national and professional development.