NITDA Pushes Digital Infrastructure as Catalyst for Nigeria’s Industrialisation Drive
Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation and economic transformation will depend largely on expanding digital infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said, stressing that technology has become indispensable to sustainable national development.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja with the theme, “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.”
Inuwa said Nigeria must integrate digital infrastructure into conventional infrastructure projects to unlock industrial growth, improve urban development, and strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness.
According to him, digital infrastructure has become a critical component of modern infrastructure planning as industries and organisations increasingly rely on technology to drive productivity and innovation.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital into the conventional infrastructure we are building,” he said.
The NITDA boss commended the Federal Government for encouraging greater private sector participation in infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), describing the initiative as a strategic step toward closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting NACCIMA and other stakeholders in advancing the government’s infrastructure agenda, particularly through digital transformation initiatives.
“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure. NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure,” Inuwa stated.
Earlier, President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, described INFRACON 2026 as a strategic platform designed to mobilise private capital, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.
He urged stakeholders to embrace collaboration and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, noting that NACCIMA is actively identifying investment-ready projects and committed partners to drive sustainable economic growth.
Ibrahim said the conference is focusing on critical sectors, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and industrialisation for export growth.
He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to working with government and the private sector to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy,” Ibrahim said.
The conference brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, and industry experts to explore practical strategies for mobilising private investment and accelerating infrastructure development as a pathway to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.
