The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, has challenged stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to move beyond traditional trade and embrace a strategic, innovation-driven economy.

Speaking at Fireside Chat of the Futuremap Roundtable 1.0 (North-West Edition) in Kano, Inuwa detailed a roadmap to elevate the region’s tech ecosystem to global competitiveness, emphasizing that the uneven distribution of innovation is not a result of a lack of talent but a lack of intentional strategy.

Inuwa outlined a foundational framework for building a sustainable digital economy based on five critical pillars: human capital, infrastructure, funding, demand, and policy. He noted that the vision of past leadership, such as the establishment of Galaxy ITT in Jigawa in the early 2000s, proved that intentional investments in research hubs and technology skills can create a lasting impact on a region’s developmental trajectory.

Sharing a personal anecdote to inspire the young entrepreneurs in attendance, Inuwa recalled using his NYSC stipend to build his first website, a move that launched his career and eventual business success.

However, he warned that technical talent alone is insufficient, pointing to a lack of soft skills as a primary barrier to scaling businesses in the North. He advocated for a shift in mindset, urging tech professionals to develop the business communication and emotional intelligence required to lead growth-oriented enterprises.

To strengthen the ecosystem, the NITDA boss proposed a Quadruple Helix Model involving academia, corporate organizations, entrepreneurs, and government. He stressed the importance of domesticating national digital policies at the state level to ensure effective implementation. Inuwa also highlighted the need for a gender-inclusive approach and the integration of tech skills into formal education from kindergarten to tertiary levels to build a generational problem-solving mindset.

Addressing the challenge of sustainability, Inuwa raised the issue of accountability at the sub-national level. He suggested that innovation hubs and startups should move away from total government dependency by seeking angel investors and private-sector co-founders.

The event, attended by digital entrepreneurs, scholars, and business leaders, concluded with a call for a stewardship system where the government provides the enabling environment while the private sector drives the innovation.

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Malam Inuwa Academy (MIA) has successfully enrolled and trained 520 young students over the past two years, marking a significant milestone in its mission to integrate Islamic knowledge with Western education in northern Nigeria.

The academy’s progress was showcased during a recent Musabaqa and Science Fair attended by Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA). Students demonstrated their knowledge and eloquence through Quran memorization, debates, quizzes, and spelling bees — a display that organizers described as “a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community decides to invest in its own future.”

The event highlighted the academy’s commitment to bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary Western education. Students across all categories participated enthusiastically, impressing attendees with their proficiency in both domains.

In recognition of their achievements, outstanding pupils received bicycles, cash prizes, and other valuable gifts. A particularly notable moment came when the first student to complete the memorization of the entire Quran at the academy received promised awards including a bicycle, computer, cash, and additional gifts.

Commending both the students’ performance and their mentors’ dedication, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi presented cash gifts to teachers, whom he described as “the backbone of the school.” The gesture underscored the vital role educators play in the institution’s success.

Established under the Malam Inuwa Foundation, the academy has drawn praise from community leaders and guests who attended the ceremony. Observers noted that combining Quranic knowledge with Western education represents the most effective educational model for northern Nigeria, equipping young people to thrive in modern society while maintaining their cultural and religious heritage.

“It is always good to be home,” said Malam Kashifu, reflecting on the event in his hometown as 2025 draws to a close. “Mentoring, encouraging, and reminding our children of the importance of pursuing both Islamic and Western education remains one of my ways of giving back to society.”

What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a growing movement. Academy officials say this achievement represents only the beginning of their ambitions for educational transformation in the region.

“Let this inspire you: give back to your hometown, support a child, strengthen a school, build a future,” organizers said in a statement. “The change we seek starts with us.”

The academy’s model offers a template for educational institutions seeking to honor traditional values while preparing students for the demands of a globalized world.

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Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledged Kano’s longstanding status as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise, and human capital provides a strong foundation for future development. He emphasized that while these traditional strengths have powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers greater opportunities through innovation and technology.

“Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea—turning it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value—you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion,” Inuwa said.

Highlighting the state’s rich educational landscape, he pointed out that Kano hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state, and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.

Inuwa stressed that innovation does not occur in silos, calling for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs, and government. Universities, he said, should align research with industry needs; industries should leverage research to boost productivity and competitiveness; and startups should act as bridges to convert ideas into market-ready solutions.

He further encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt a global mindset from day one. “You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he said.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing interventions, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which equips Nigerians with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, aimed at producing globally competitive professionals in software development, data analysis, and emerging technologies.

“Through DL4ALL, we ensure Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT deliberately builds a pipeline of technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs, and attract investment,” he said.

The NITDA DG explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes skills development, innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth as pathways to national prosperity.

Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to collaborate in building a functional innovation ecosystem capable of unlocking the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, sustained investment, and strong collaboration, Kano could reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.

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Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Coordination Committee, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa stressed the urgency of digitising civil registration processes to support smarter, data-driven public administration.

Inuwa engaged key stakeholders including the National Population Commission (NPC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), underscoring the alignment of CRVS reform with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda prioritises digital public infrastructure, improved service delivery, and evidence-based policy-making.

“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised. It is foundational for making informed decisions across federal, state, and local levels of government,” Inuwa noted.

He called for harmonised data systems across government institutions, warning that fragmented platforms continue to hinder effective planning and service delivery. According to him, technology can bridge these gaps—from registering individuals at birth and assigning legal identities to linking that information to national planning and budgeting.

“Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insights needed for national development. Technology can help us stitch everything together,” he added.

The NITDA boss assured stakeholders that the agency would provide digital standards and advisory support to ensure the CRVS digitisation process is seamless, inclusive, and citizen-centric. He reiterated NITDA’s role as a key enabler of the digital transformation process, offering strategic guidance and infrastructure support.

“At NITDA, our vision is to ensure that the right standards and digital advisory services are in place for all institutions involved in CRVS. We are committed to enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he stated.

He further emphasised the need to modernise identity management systems in line with the National Population Council’s broader objective to streamline public service delivery.

“Digital is a lifestyle now. Nobody wants to fill out forms on paper or move from office to office. Everything must be digital, seamless, and secure,” Inuwa concluded.

The meeting was attended by prominent stakeholders including Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population; Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman, National Population Commission; Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS; Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of NIMC; and Engr. Bello Lawal, President of ALGON, among others.

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TECHDIGEST – In recognition of the significant role of traditional institutions as custodians of cultural values in the country, the staff of the National Traditional Council for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria NTCRN were selected among the recent beneficiaries of NITDA’S capacity building on e-government.

Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, the director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said, “the exercise is being carried out with a view to ensuring successful implementation of the e-Government Master Plan as well as inculcating the use of Information Technology in all government activities.”

Kashifu who was represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, the director, Information Technology and Infrastructure Solutions of the Agency, noted that the e-government training was aimed at ensuring application of Technology in running government businesses especially in the Post COVID-19 era.

With this engagement of traditional institutions in the country, the impact of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy NDEPS had recorded yet another breakthrough in it’s quest to ensure a Digital Nigeria.

This feat was attained when the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA, resolved to strengthen the policy by engaging the administrators of traditional institutions in the country with digital technology as a platform for stimulating growth.

While highlighting the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy Policy’s components, the Director General explained that NITDA has a Strategic Road Map which it has been implementing.

He added that in line with the National e-Government Master Plan for the country, a strategy to have institutional framework was designed to implement the NDEPS.

“As engine room for the implementation of government policies and programs, building the capabilities of government officials to deliver on your mandates should be a priority to any government”, he added.

He argued that as the apex body saddled with IT development and regulations, our ability to deliver on the Federal government Digital Economy mandate is our primary focus. “We recognize the fact that building your capabilities as traditional institution should be among our top priority.”

While further highlighting the benefits of the training to the staff of National Council for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria NTCRN, the Director General of NITDA described the role of Traditional institutions as critical to sustenance of any meaningful development in view of their closeness to the people at the grassroots.

“What the government is doing is to provide services to the people, and the best way to doing that is through the full engagement of traditional rulers,” he alluded.

He said the Participants, during the training, will be exposed to understanding how virtual platforms works and how to create Teams and Channels as well as how to set up Video Conferencing amongst many others.

Mallam Kashifu also hinted that the training will save participants from the vulnerabilities of online platforms as Nigeria is fast approaching the full attainment of Digital Economy, where the country must be on the Cyber Space with its associated myriads of challenges.

Declaring the training workshop open, Etsu Nupe and Chairman Coordinating Committee National Council for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under the able leadership of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for his resilience and commitment towards making Nigeria a digitally dependent country.

Alhaji Abubakar noted that the giant strides recorded in the sector demonstrates that the country will soon join the league of top economies of the world.

Kasim Yawa, the director, National Traditional Council for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, express gratitude to the management of NITDA for acquitting them with rudiments of ICT and benefits derivable from digital economy.

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TECH DIGEST – The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has reeled out the benefits Nigeria stands to gain from the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the centre located in Abuja was held on Thursday, where the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his support on the project and the approval of the building.

Pantami said the President approved the building of the centre on the 11th of November 2020 during the FEC meeting after he made a detailed presentation to the Council on the project and successfully answered around 22 questions in the robust debate that followed the presentation.

He explained that the idea received the overwhelming support of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, because of the huge positive impact it can have on the lives of Nigerians.

The Minister noted that Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship are globally recognized as two prerequisites for achieving an indigenous Digital Economy.

“As such, a successful digital innovation and entrepreneurship programme will support us in the development of our digital economy and this is exactly what this Centre aims to achieve.

“We are also developing National Policy on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which this Centre and many other centres all over the country will implement.

“The groundbreaking ceremony is another giant leap towards the development of our digital economy and diversification of our country’s economy,” said the Minister.

“The Centre will be based on the ‘live, work and learn’ concept. The activities of the centre align with 6 out of the 8 pillars of our National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria.

“These include Pillar #2 (Digital Skills), Pillar #4 (Service Infrastructure), Pillar #5 (Digital Services Development and Promotion), Pillar #6 (Soft Infrastructure), Pillar #7 (Digital Society and Emerging Technologies) and Pillar #8 (Indigenous Content Development and Adoption).

“We are also developing National Policy on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which this Centre and many other centres all over the country will implement.

“Our National Digital Economy Policy appreciates the importance of identifying and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and it also focuses on encouraging many of these SMEs to go a step further by aiming to become Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs).

“The IDE-concept has been promoted by leading institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and these enterprises, no doubt, have great advantages. In contrasting IDEs and MSMEs we find that IDEs tend to have a global outlook while SMEs tend to start small and choose to remain local.

“IDEs also generally require more capital than SMEs and tend to integrate innovation more into their activities more than SMEs. However, they can have a far more significant impact on the economy than the SMEs can.
“To further illustrate this, imagine the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a nation of IDEs. A 2015 Report notes that such an ‘MIT-nation’ would have been the world’s 10th largest economy, with gross revenue falling between the GDP of Russia ($2.097 trillion) and India ($1.877 trillion)!

“I currently lead an Abuja Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT-REAP) to accelerate the development of homegrown IDEs in Nigeria.

“We are adopting MIT’s proven frameworks on accelerating innovation to create localized strategies for developing and sustaining enterprises driven by innovation. That same IDE-approach will be utilized in this Centre.

“As part of our policy, I earlier directed the Director-General of NITDA to include the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in the proposed budget of the Agency. The National Assembly graciously approved the request.”

Speaking further, the Minister said that there are several benefits that Nigerians will enjoy from this Centre and I will mention a few of them.

He said these benefits include: To enable Nigerians to acquire cutting-edge technological skills; enable Nigerians to participate in the development of hardware, software and emerging technologies; create an innovative ecosystem; create a unique platform for technical skills (programming), soft skills (social interaction), entrepreneurship (starting and operating a business) to focus on the promotion and development of ICT, including smart energy solutions to drive ICT; nurture new ideas and develop an inquisitive perspective to support in the creation of employers of labour;
support in the promotion and development of ICTs, including aspects of advanced applied research; and allow startups to accelerate and experience innovations at scale, through customized visits, design thinking sessions and co-innovation workshops to create a highly collaborative and immersive environment.

He commended the Director-General of National Information and Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, for his great effort towards the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy.
“NITDA’s role towards the digital innovation and entrepreneurship initiative is pivotal. I urge you to keep supporting the growth of the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the country,” Pantami said.

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TECH DIGEST – A secured cyberspace has been identified as a critical enabler that could catalyse the transformation of Nigeria into a leading digital economy, capable of providing quality life for all.

Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, expressed this view at a webinar organised by the Agency to commemorate the cyber security awareness month.

The webinar, which was part of the events lined up to create awareness on cyber security, addressed topics on “Cyber Security Controls and Precautions for Parents and Kids; “The Worth of Your Digital Identity”; and “Phishing: SMS and Email”.

Mal. Inuwa who spoke through the Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Usman Abdullahi, maintained that the increased use of digital platforms has critically enhanced productivity at all levels; be it individual, governments, organizations, corporate entities and civil society groups. Hence, the need to canvass for a secured cyberspace.

While highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy at securing the cyberspace for Nigeria as enshrined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, he declared that “ineffective cybersecurity coordination could lead to a devastating blow on the positives of the digital economy.”

The NITDA Chief Executive Officer, said the cardinal objective for this year’s programme therefore is to give Nigerians every available clue to avoid the tricks of the criminals, and where it inevitably occurs, report to appropriate authorities.

According to him, many Nigerians have fallen victims to cybercriminals, largely due to lack of awareness on what to do and avoid, while on cyberspace.

Describing the webinar as apt, Inuwa stated that protection of digital presence in a highly connected world remains the greatest measure to ensure safety online.

One of the panelists at webinar, Mr. Mobolaji Moyosore, urged Nigerians to be wary of trust exploitation as it has been identified as one of the ways cyber criminals adopt to defraud unsuspecting victims.

By PRNigeria

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TECH DIGEST – The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa says that in less than two years, NITDA has achieved several milestones, while also recording unprecedented achievements in the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

He said by implementing NDPR, NITDA has licensed 70 Data Protection Compliance Organizations, (DPCO); created over 2,686 new jobs roles in the industry; and also developed a new data protection sector which is valued at over 2 million naira.

Inuwa, made this known at a webinar themed, “Personal Data Protection and Cybersecurity,” organized by Africa Data Protection Conclave.

The event was aimed at bringing together the leading African nations in data protection and cybersecurity.

Mal. Inuwa, noted that long before the European Union (EU) issued the General Data Protection Regulation, NITDA had a focused perspective about data privacy and protection.

“The NITDA Act 2007 empowers us to develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information,” he said.

He added that the NITDA approach is to unlock opportunities for our talented youths to harness data, the world’s most valuable resource in the digital economy.

The NITDA Director General further said, “NITDA has remitted the sum of over N15 million to Federal Government consolidated revenue account from DPCO licensing and Audit report filing; issued 230 compliance and enforcement notices; initiated and deposited 8 data breach cases with the Police and resolved over 790 issues.

“The Agency has also successfully investigated and issued a data breach fine on a public institution making it the first and only data breach fine in Africa for 2020, issued a Guidelines on Use of Personal Data by Public Institutions, 2020, launched the NDPR Portal for filing of audit reports and reporting of breaches; and issued the NDPR Implementation Framework 2020.”

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