The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital inclusion through strategic partnerships aimed at empowering underserved communities with digital skills and access to technology, in line with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the Executive Director of Cal-Maji Foundation, Mrs. Faith Ayuba, to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Digital Development Services, Mr. Oluwunmi Oladejo, Inuwa said collaboration with community-based organisations remains critical to achieving NITDA’s vision of ensuring that every Nigerian benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy.

He described the Foundation’s visit and positive feedback as a testament to the lasting impact of the Agency’s interventions across the country.

“It is always gratifying to receive feedback from communities that have benefited from our interventions. Many of these projects were implemented years ago, and it is rewarding to know they are still creating opportunities,” he said.

The NITDA boss explained that the Agency continues to monitor the performance of its intervention centres nationwide while leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen digital learning and virtual capacity-building initiatives.

According to him, NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework remains the cornerstone of efforts to equip children, students, artisans, farmers, professionals and other groups with the digital competencies required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Responding to requests for additional support, Inuwa disclosed that the Agency is considering training community-based instructors to sustain digital literacy programmes at the grassroots. He encouraged the Foundation to submit a formal request, backed by evidence of activities at its digital centre, to facilitate further intervention.

He, however, acknowledged that sustaining internet connectivity across intervention centres nationwide remains a major funding challenge that requires innovative solutions and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Earlier, Executive Director of Cal-Maji Foundation, Mrs. Faith Ayuba, commended NITDA for its openness to partnerships and commitment to supporting impactful initiatives.

She described the Agency as one of the few government institutions that prioritises genuine impact over personal connections, noting that the Foundation focuses on improving access to education, strengthening food systems, enhancing food security and providing social protection for women and young people in hard-to-reach communities.

Ayuba revealed that the NITDA Knowledge Access Centre established at the Foundation’s community school in a border community in Kogi State has significantly transformed learning by providing students and residents with access to computers, internet connectivity and digital education.

“The ICT centre became an equaliser. Young people who ordinarily would never have had access to computers or the internet suddenly had the opportunity to acquire digital knowledge. We came back simply to say thank you because this partnership has changed lives,” she said.

She disclosed that more than 1,000 children have benefited from the Foundation’s educational programmes and presented a former student who advanced from the community school to a Nigerian university after leveraging the digital resources available at the centre.

According to her, the student’s success demonstrates the enduring impact of NITDA’s intervention in expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Ayuba also appealed for deeper collaboration through the training of community instructors, upgrading of computer systems and expanded access to NITDA’s digital capacity-building programmes, stressing that rural communities must not be left behind as Nigeria embraces emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The meeting ended with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration, expanding digital opportunities and empowering underserved communities in support of Nigeria’s inclusive digital economy agenda.

The post NITDA, Cal-Maji Foundation Forge Stronger Alliance to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital Divide appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) 2025, a major step aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

The event held yesterday gathered Labeled Startups, Verified Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs), Angel Investors, and Venture Capitalists for a day of strategic dialogue moderated by Nneka Okachukwu.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Mr. Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of Regulations and Compliance, stressed the agency’s commitment to designing policies based on the realities and needs of Nigerian entrepreneurs.

He noted that NITDA remains focused on building a digital economy where startups can thrive.

Speaking further, Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, who officially represented the Director General, described the Nigeria Startup Act as a transformative instrument for advancing innovation and entrepreneurship.

He announced the formal inauguration of the Startup Investment Fund, urging all stakeholders to seize the opportunities it presents.

“Let us translate our ideas into tangible policies and impactful outcomes that will redefine Nigeria’s digital future,” Olawumi charged participants.

A major highlight of the event was the formal establishment of the Startup Consultative Forum structure under the supervision of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The SCF is expected to deliberate, gather, and recommend vital information to shape incentives and policies targeted at supporting startups and strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The Forum will also serve as a central platform for coordinating the voices of innovators and entrepreneurs nationwide, ensuring effective representation within policymaking processes.

Additionally, it will act as an advisory body to the National Council, providing inputs on regulatory and fiscal reforms tailored to the needs of Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Interactive sessions during the event allowed startups to raise critical questions, with responses provided by key stakeholders.

Discussions touched on pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within the startup space, fostering deeper collaboration among ecosystem players.

The event ended with a call on startups to actively participate in selecting their representatives on the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship — a crucial move to ensure that the interests of the startup community are effectively championed at the highest level of digital policymaking.

The post NITDA Launches Startup Consultative ForumBy Fatimah Yusuf Usman appeared first on Tech Digest News.

In a major stride towards positioning Nigeria as a global technology hub where digital technology is leveraged to uplift the nation, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced its strategic partnership with KAOUN International to host the world-renowned Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Nigeria.

This announcement was made at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja during the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) which comprises representatives from key public and private sector stakeholders, underscoring a unified national effort to deliver a world-class tech conference on Nigerian soil.

This maiden edition of the event which is themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria” is expected to have not less than 1000 startups, over 100 investors and an attendance of over 20,000 participants which would be held in Abuja and Lagos between 1st and 4th of September 2025.

GITEX Nigeria is set to bring together global tech leaders, innovators, investors, startups, and policy makers, opening up new avenues for collaboration, investment, and technological exchange.

The event in Abuja will witness government leadership and AI summit to unite government leaders and global tech executives to drive national projects, including digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption and public sector innovation while in Lagos, which is the commercial hub of the country, GITEX aims to spotlight the nation’s tech ecosystem, promoting startups, attracting investment, growth driving multi-sector economic diversification to a global audience.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa who was represented by the Director of the ITIS department, Mr Olawumi Oladejo, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the milestone achievement and thanked everyone for all the effort they have been putting into the actualisation of the great event in Nigeria.

He emphasized the potential impact of hosting such a prestigious event, stating that it would not only elevate Nigeria’s international profile but also boost local businesses, drive tourism, and provide a platform for innovation and partnerships.

“We all know the positive impact that hosting this kind of event will bring to the country. It will boost our international standing and scale our local businesses and tourism. This event is part of our way of implementing a major pillar, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027),” he added.

According to the DG, the implementation of the GITEX Nigeria is in line with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the implementation of the agency’s SRAP.

Noting that the GITEX model has expanded to North Africa, specifically in Morocco, Inuwa asserted that Nigeria’s hosting of the event will mark its first footprint in West Africa.

While assuring the stakeholders of presidential backing for the initiative, the DG concluded that “if we can successfully host this, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across the region.”

In his presentation on the overview of the GITEX Nigeria preparations, the Director of the Stakeholder Management and Partnerships department, Dr Aristotle Onumo stated that the vision of the event is to elevate 6 local startups to global standards in 3 years.

He added that the event which will be anchored on 3 fulcrums; enablement, engagement, and knowledge to enhance growth in the Telecom, Fintech, Agritech, Edtech, e-Commerce, Healthtech as well as data centres in reinforcing data sovereignty and other sectors.

Speaking on the opportunities the event will bring in terms of boosting investments into the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem, he noted that “78% of startups are expecting to receive funds from investors as a result of their participation in GITEX.”

The post Nigeria Set to Host Groundbreaking GITEX Event in West Africa appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has underscored the critical role of data in driving a sustainable digital economy. At the just concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, the agency emphasised the need for safe and responsible data utilisation.

NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by the Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, highlighted the importance of data sovereignty in ensuring Nigeria’s digital future. By prioritising data security and privacy, the agency aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.

The Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, organised by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), showcased the talent and innovation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs. The event further reinforced the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

While stating that the event aligns with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, Inuwa mentioned that the event underscores NITDA’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.

“The issue of having something home-grown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realize that Data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what is driving us now and everything is all about data,” he added.

Speaking of the relevance of the event which speaks to pillars; Robust Technological Research Ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services of the SRAP document, he urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.

“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight,” he noted.

While stating the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous digital innovation thrives, Inuwa disclosed that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in 3 states with plans to expand to 6 more by the end of year and stated that the nests are designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.

“These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment,” Inuwa explained.

“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams. Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” he concluded.

Earlier in her opening remark, the National Coordinator of the ONDI, Ms Victoria Fabunmi stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

While emphasising the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she averred that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP and fulfilling the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.

“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem”, she stated.

The post NITDA  Highlights Data as the Foundation of Thriving Digital Economy appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have joined forces to empower West African youth with the skills and knowledge needed to safeguard the region’s cyberspace.

A regional security hackathon held in Abuja, Nigeria, showcased the talent and potential of young participants from across West Africa. The event aimed to identify and nurture cybersecurity experts who can combat the growing threat of cybercrime in the region.

NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Oladejo Olawumi, emphasised the importance of harnessing the energy and creativity of young people to address cybersecurity challenges.

He stressed the need for countries to adhere to regional regulations and implement robust measures to protect critical institutions.

Olawumi stressed the importance of tapping into the region’s youthful talent to combat cybercrime.

He emphasised NITDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting future initiatives and stated, “The vibrant competition within the technology sector is encouraging. By harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth, we can effectively fight cybercrime and prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.”

On his part, the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the urgency of protecting the region’s cyberspace and the role of the hackathon in identifying and supporting talented individuals. He emphasized the collaboration between ECOWAS, NITDA, governments, private sector, and academia in making the event a success.

The hackathon, which was the third in the series, attracted participants from 12 West African countries. Winners and participants received cash prizes and gift items as recognition for their achievements.

In addition to the competition, the event included training programs sponsored by donors and partners to further enhance the skills of the young participants.

After 30 hours of intense competition, the TeamERROR from Nigeria emerged third and got a cash prize of $6000 with laptops for each member of the team. The M3V7R team from Benin Republic came second with a cash prize of $8,000 and laptops for its members, while the First Prize went to Shell X Roots from Cote d’ Ivoire with a cash prize of $10,000 and laptops for members of the group.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Hannah Bangoura from Sierra Leone, who won the Best Female Participant award. Her achievement underscored the growing influence of women in the field of cybersecurity across West Africa.

Earlier at the opening of the competition in Abuja, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, commended ECOWAS for its commitment to promoting regional unity in addressing cyber security.

He emphasised that the Hackathon represents a powerful symbol of unity and cooperation among ECOWAS member states, noting that “As threats become increasingly sophisticated and transnational, collaboration between nations is no longer optional, but essential.

“Making partnerships with relevant Cybersecurity outfits in various countries and a call for global Cybersecurity strategies is vital.”

Inuwa explained that the global Cybersecurity workforce places a gap with billions of jobs unfilled for the coming years, noting that the Hackathon is a response to that challenge.

Represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solution Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Inuwa explained that participants need to be provided with opportunities to showcase their abilities to ensure that the youths have pathways to recognition, employment, and growth in this field.

“Our efforts also extend to fostering home-grown solutions towards our annual Hackathons, which offer startups to showcase real world problems.

“This Hackathon coincides with the National Cybersecurity Awareness month, during which we conduct extensive awareness to educate the public about the trending cyber threats and how to stay safe,” Inuwa said.

He added that the Hackathon competition saw 1,500 teams participate, including 139 teams led by female captains. With 1,362 female participants out of 5,341, the event highlighted the significant contributions women make to Cybersecurity in the region.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, Mr. Seido Douko, while welcoming the participants, commended their dedication to addressing the pressing Cybersecurity challenges affecting the region

He stated that “ECOWAS passionately believes in harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration to drive progress. As technology continues to evolve, mere vigilance is no longer enough.

To stay ahead of emerging threats, we must foster adaptability, creativity, and collaboration across borders, building a robust and resilient cyber ecosystem that benefits all member states.”

“Today’s event embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation, bringing together talented young minds to tackle a critical regional challenge. It is not just about competition, but about collective contribution and creativity, fostering innovative solutions that will drive meaningful change and resilience in our region,” he added.

While maintaining that the competition is more than just a contest but a collaborative effort to combat cyber threats, he advised for a push to the boundaries of what is possible, harnessing collective creativity and expertise to develop innovative solutions.

The 30-hours ECOWAS Cyber Security Hackathon competition brought together over 40 young tech talented enthusiasts drawn from fourteen countries in the West African sub-region.

The post NITDA, ECOWAS Partner to Foster Cybersecurity Talent in West Africa appeared first on Tech Digest News.

In a significant development in Nigeria’s educational sector aimed at boosting digital literacy among school children, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is set to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Educational Board (FCT-UBEB) towards revolutionising the way young Nigerians engage with technology and equipping them with necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE made this known when he hosted a delegation from the Head-to-Head Debate Committee of FCT UBEB led by its Ag. Executive Chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule, at the Agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

Inuwa, who was represented by the agency’s Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, stated that the collaboration aligns with a pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027 which is to Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents.

While stating that the pillar is key to the proposed educational board’s debate competition, the DG emphasised the importance of integrating technology into education to capture the interest and potential of young people.

“Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology and unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment,” he noted.

He disclosed that the agency has been providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation as well as digital learning centres across all states of the country.

He added that the Digital Literacy for All programme is a national initiative of the agency which is designed to extend digital education resources to all corners of the country. He urged the visitors to key into the programme while he asserted that it would be instrumental in enhancing digital literacy skills among students and out-of-school children alike.

Highlighting the agency’s focus on emerging technologies, Inuwa stated that extensive research and development are being conducted in areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics which are pivotal for future skill sets.

While referring to a recent collaboration between the agency and the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition organised for secondary schools in Abuja to spur interest in Robotics and technology among students, he said “I think we can work together in this area and make sure that Robotics interest is geared up among the youth.”

Elaborating on the Agency’s ongoing initiatives toward achieving 70% digital literacy in the country by 2027, he further disclosed that the agency is working to integrate digital literacy into the national educational curriculum and providing hands-on experience with technologies like AI and Robotics.

While stressing the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children, he mentioned “We are developing programmes in partnership with various stakeholders to attract these children through incentives like school feeding, coupled with digital literacy and other educational training.”

Inuwa noted that the multifaceted approach will ensure that children are not only fed but also equipped with essential digital skills that will pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically proficient future.

In his earlier remark, Dr Sule commended the agency for their various strategic initiatives to ensure a sustainable digitally transformed economy in the country.
While stating that the head-to-head committee is saddled with the responsibility of conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, he noted that 900 students in the FCT will contest in a debate.

He said that finalists from the competition will be moved to a reality house which will be aired live on different media platforms where they will be trained on AI and Robotics.

The post NITDA, FCT UBEB, Collaborate To Foster Digital Literacy In Schools appeared first on Tech Digest News.