NITDA Calls for Stronger State Collaboration to Drive Digital Economy
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to realise Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.
Inuwa made this known while speaking virtually at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, which convened policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and key ecosystem players to discuss strategies for accelerating digital development in the region.
According to him, although NITDA has recorded notable achievements at the federal level, the real measure of success lies in how effectively national policies are implemented at the state level. He stressed that sustainable digital transformation requires states to domesticate national policies and establish clear implementation and governance structures.
The NITDA boss referenced the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework as critical frameworks guiding Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. While acknowledging that several states have established ICT-focused ministries and agencies, he noted that some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured governance mechanisms. He assured stakeholders that NITDA remains ready to provide technical guidance and support to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.
Inuwa highlighted digital literacy as a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth. Under the National Digital Literacy Framework, he said NITDA aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been integrated into school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to enhance technology-driven learning. He urged South-South states to ensure that educators in both public and private schools fully participate in the initiative.
The Director General also drew attention to efforts aimed at building digital capacity within the public service. In partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, more than 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training. He disclosed that similar programmes are being considered for rollout across South-South states to improve governance efficiency and public service delivery.
On partnerships, Inuwa pointed to collaborations with Cisco, which provide access to self-paced digital courses, and the National Youth Service Corps, whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitization in markets, worship centres, motor parks and among senior citizens. He called on stakeholders in the region to strengthen coordination and jointly develop practical initiatives to expand digital inclusion.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
Beshel said Cross River is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the foundation for e-government services, skills development, innovation and job creation. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery across the state.
Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, the Commissioner expressed optimism about strategic partnerships. He described collaboration with NITDA and private sector stakeholders as crucial to bridging the digital divide, strengthening cybersecurity resilience and ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.
He added that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s expanding technology landscape.
