NITDA and the Transformation of Nigeria’s Digital Landscape, by Fom Gyem

DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa

NITDA and the Transformation of Nigeria’s Digital Landscape, by Fom Gyem

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

He 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 disclosed that Nigeria’s greatest resource to which he hinges his prediction on, is Nigeria’s abundant human capital which remains her greatest resource. He noted that many global reports have predicted that there would be global talent crunch by 2030 that could affect the future of work but which Nigeria can explore to reimagining herself to become global talent factory.

In a world filled with challenges and crises, it is heartwarming that key government institutions and organisations in Nigeria are midwifing innovative solutions that will address the country’s socio-economic woes. One of such agencies is the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, committed to the full implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy.

NITDA’s comprehensive approach encompasses planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices in Nigeria, in a way that is positioning the nation on the path to a secured digital future.

At the risk of exaggerating, 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 NITDA’s flagship initiatives involves the strategic integration of digital skills into educational institutions and rural areas across the country. Recognizing the importance of Information Technology (IT) knowledge in the modern world, NITDA has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide across communities in the country.

As a matter of fact, NITDA has successfully implemented projects aimed at developing human capital and providing universal access to knowledge. Particularly, the tech-focused agency established about 988 information technology centres nationwide, between 2007 and 2017. These centres 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.

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

Without any scintilla of doubt, 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, NITDA’s initiatives are positioning Nigeria as a competitive player on the global stage.

Likewise, 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.

It is on record that NITDA’s initiatives have spurred an exceptional surge in the patronage of locally-assembled devices. Records show a remarkable increase in sales by Indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) – from 98,224 devices in 2015 to an impressive 355,647 devices in 2017. The enforcement of the Local Content Policy on the N-Power Social Investment Scheme further contributed to the patronage of indigenous OEMs, injecting a substantial 10.5 billion naira into the economy in just three months.

Aside from the fact that NITDA’s 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 digital revolution in Nigeria. These projects include Digital Job Creation Centres, Digital Capacity Building Centres, eLearning facilities, Campus Wide Area Networks for tertiary institutions, and Virtual Libraries, among others, which are ensuring digital inclusion and technological advancement across the country.

NITDA has enhanced its commitment to education through the provision of the NITDEF Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, and including lecturers from tertiary institutions as beneficiaries of its PhD Scholarship Programme. Again, the strategic alliances of the agency with select public and private universities further underscore NITDA’s dedication to in-country academic programs.

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

In conclusion, NITDA’s multifaceted efforts are not just transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape but are also driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation through strategic planning, community engagement, and technological innovation. As the nation continues to embrace the digital age, NITDA stands at the forefront, orchestrating a digital revolution that promises a brighter, more connected future for all Nigerians.

Fom Gyem is a Staff Writer with Tech Digest [email protected]

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