NITDA and the transformation of Nigeria’s digital landscape

By Fom Gyem

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has predicted that Nigeria’s digital transformation future would be “brighter as it offers hope of being prosperous.”

The DG expressed this optimism in Lagos while delivering his keynote address titled “Implementing a National Digital Transformation Agenda” at the Global Tech Africa 2023 with the theme “Facilitating Investments in Africa’s Digital Economy.”

Inuwa said Nigeria’s greatest resource, to which he hinged his prediction on, is the abundant human capital. He noted that though many reports have predicted global talent crunch by 2030, the continent’s powerhouse must explore the opportunities by putting its citizens on the path of becoming a major talent factory.

It is commendable how government institutions are midwifing innovative solutions that will address socio-economic woes. One of such is NITDA whose comprehensive approach encompasses planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of IT practices.

NITDA stands as a testament to the transformative power of government organizations dedicated to fostering positive change. The agency operates at the crossroads of government policies, community engagement, and technological advancements, with a mission to create a resilient and inclusive society.

One of its flagship initiatives involves the strategic integration of digital skills into educational institutions and rural areas across the country. Recognizing the importance of IT knowledge in the modern world, NITDA has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide across communities.

It has successfully implemented projects aimed at developing the people, providing universal access to knowledge. It established about 988 IT centres nationwide, between 2007 and 2017. These locations serve as hubs for digital learning, equipping individuals in both urban and rural areas with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly-digitized global economy.

NITDA’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond the confines of Nigeria’s major cities, reaching remote hamlets. By integrating IT knowledge into these areas, the agency is not only creating a knowledge-based economy but also fostering a sense of empowerment among communities that may have been left behind.

NITDA’s efforts align seamlessly with the broader goal of the National Digital Economy policy. By nurturing digital skills, the agency is sowing the seeds for a workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age. As technology continues to reshape industries and economies, Nigeria is doing well by positioning itself as a competitive player on the global stage.

As NITDA continues to spearhead initiatives that bridge the digital divide, the agency’s impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape becomes increasingly evident. The strides made in digital literacy and skill development underscore the potential for positive change when government organizations prioritize technology as a means of empowerment.

NITDA’s policies have spurred a surge in the patronage of locally-assembled devices. Records show increased sales by Indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), from 98,224 devices in 2015 to 355,647 devices in 2017. The enforcement of the Local Content Policy on the N-Power Social Investment Scheme led to more patronage of indigenous OEMs, injecting a substantial N10.5 billion into the economy in three months.

Aside from the fact that its strategic interventions have resulted in a tangible increase in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), NITDA has also played a pivotal role in developing ICT policies for several states including Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, and Yobe.

With over 300 executed projects nationwide, NITDA continues to spearhead the tech revolution in Nigeria. These projects include Digital Job Creation Centres, Digital Capacity Building Centres, eLearning facilities, Campus Wide Area Networks for tertiary schools, Virtual Libraries, among others.

NITDA has enhanced its commitment to education through the provision of the NITDEF Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme; lecturers from tertiary institutions are beneficiaries of its PhD Scholarship Programme. The alliance of the agency with public and private universities further underscores the dedication to academic programs.

It is also gratifying that NITDA’s training programs for hundreds of youths in various ICT areas and entrepreneurship, coupled with programmes like Start-up Nigeria, Start-up Friday, and Start-up Clinic, have created numerous job opportunities, economic growth and self employment.

In response to the rising threats of cyber-attacks, NITDA has significantly increased its cybersecurity campaign, raising awareness to mitigate risks and prevent data loss. Furthermore, the agency’s insistence on hosting significant government data locally, ensures compliance with local content policies and enhances data security.

These multifaceted efforts are not just transforming the digital landscape but are also driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As the nation continues to embrace the digital age, NITDA stands at the forefront, orchestrating a tech revolution that will ensure a brighter future for all Nigerians.

Gyem is a Staff Writer with Tech Digest. Email: [email protected]