NITDA Hosts EU Delegation to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure and Literacy

NITDA Hosts EU Delegation to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure and Literacy

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure and enhancing digital literacy, aligning with the nation’s target of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027.

During a strategic meeting at NITDA headquarters, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Department, Oladejo Olawunmi, received a delegation from two European firms, Consulting & Management (C&M) and EUROPE Ltd. The firms have been awarded an EU-funded contract to support the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) in executing these initiatives.May be an image of 5 people, people studying and text

Led by Judit Erdos, the visiting delegation engaged in extensive discussions on evaluating the progress of Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework. The meeting also included an update on data from a prior World Bank study, offering insights into key challenges, achievements, and policy recommendations crucial for shaping the nation’s digital future.

As Nigeria strives to bridge the digital divide, the collaboration between NITDA and its European partners is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing broadband penetration and equipping citizens with essential digital skills for the evolving global economy.

NITDA DG Advocates AI for Sectoral Productivity at Jigawa Workshop Finale

NITDA DG Advocates AI for Sectoral Productivity at Jigawa Workshop Finale

 

Jigawa State recently hosted the grand finale of the five-day workshop titled “The Workshop of the Future,” where Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in critical sectors.

Organized by Futuremap Foundation in partnership with NITDA, Jigawa ICT & Digital Economy, Cosmopolitan University, OpenSchool, and Huawei, the workshop focused on the role of AI in enhancing productivity across agriculture, health, education, energy, and climate change. The event also spotlighted design thinking as an essential framework for addressing complex societal challenges.

In his address, Inuwa unveiled plans for a fellowship programme aimed at cultivating local talent to develop digital solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges. This initiative, he noted, will reduce reliance on external expertise and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The agenda emphasizes industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation as key drivers of national diversification and economic growth.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of leveraging digital transformation and AI to tackle challenges in critical sectors, marking a significant step toward sustainable development and technological advancement in Nigeria.

 

NITDA Champions Youth Empowerment at 2024 Head-to-Head Debate Reality House Grand Finale

NITDA Champions Youth Empowerment at 2024 Head-to-Head Debate Reality House Grand Finale

 

In a momentous display of support for educational and technological advancement, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) played a pivotal role in the 2024 Head-to-Head Debate Reality House Grand Finale. Hosted by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), the event brought together leading figures in education and technology to discuss and promote the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth.

The highlight of NITDA’s participation came through the insightful address delivered by Mr. Yakubu Musa from the Digital Literacy Department, representing Director General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE. Musa’s speech emphasized the strategic importance of investing in Nigeria’s youth, who he described as the nation’s most valuable asset.

Musa articulated that the future of Nigeria hinges on the effective harnessing of human potential. He advocated for a robust investment in human resources, arguing that such investments are critical to fostering innovation, generating wealth, and driving sustainable growth. According to Musa, nurturing the skills and capabilities of the younger generation is not merely a matter of policy but a fundamental strategy for national development.

He further explained that by prioritizing education and digital literacy, Nigeria could equip its youth with the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. This approach, he argued, will contribute significantly to shaping a prosperous future for the country.

The message resonated strongly with attendees, reflecting NITDA’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology and education as vehicles for national progress. By aligning with initiatives like the Head-to-Head Debate Reality House, NITDA underscores its dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence among Nigeria’s youth.

NITDA Welcomes World Bank and WTO Delegation to Discuss Digital Trade Initiatives

NITDA Welcomes World Bank and WTO Delegation to Discuss Digital Trade Initiatives

 

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was honored to receive a distinguished delegation from the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for Digital Trade Engagement at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation, led by Aleksandar Stojanov, engaged in a productive meeting with NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE.

The primary purpose of this visit was to delve into priority areas of digital trade and share initial findings from the recently conducted Digital Trade Regulatory Gap Analysis. The discussion provided an invaluable platform for identifying and addressing regulatory gaps, and exploring avenues for collaboration in the realms of digital trade, cross-border data services, and digital regulations.

“This visit is a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy,” said Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. “By aligning our efforts with international bodies like the World Bank and WTO, we are committed to fostering a robust digital ecosystem that supports economic growth and diversification.”May be an image of 1 person, newsroom and dais

Key topics covered during the meeting included:

– Digital Trade:** Strategies to enhance Nigeria’s digital trade capabilities and integration into the global digital economy.
– Cross-Border Data Services:** Exploring frameworks to facilitate secure and efficient cross-border data flows, which are essential for modern digital trade.
– Digital Regulations:** Identifying regulatory improvements to support innovation and protect digital transactions and data.

The collaborative efforts aim to strengthen Nigeria’s digital trust, drive economic growth, and support the country’s diversification agenda. These objectives are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation.

“The insights shared today will guide our ongoing efforts to create a more conducive environment for digital trade and economic development,” added Aleksandar Stojanov. “We look forward to continued partnership with NITDA to achieve these goals.”

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is committed to implementing the National IT Policy to drive the development and regulation of information technology in Nigeria. By fostering a robust IT infrastructure and promoting innovation, NITDA plays a crucial role in enhancing Nigeria’s digital economy.

 

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Collaborates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to Enhance Organizational Capabilities

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Collaborates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to Enhance Organizational Capabilities

In a bid to bolster its operational efficiency and adaptability in the digital era, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) convened a two-day “Working Backwards Engagement” workshop in collaboration with Amazon Web Service (AWS). The event, held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, underscored NITDA’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and fostering strategic partnerships.

Aligned with the overarching objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of improving governance to enhance effective service delivery. With a keen focus on Pillar 8 of the administration’s priority areas, the workshop aimed to equip NITDA’s team with enhanced capabilities to meet stakeholders’ expectations. Director General Abdullahi’s strategic vision is articulated in the agency’s Strategic Road and Action Plan 2.0, which outlines a roadmap for achieving organizational goals and delivering tangible outcomes.

The collaborative engagement with AWS signifies NITDA’s unwavering commitment to implementing its Action Plan, with a specific emphasis on forging strategic partnerships and cultivating a vibrant organizational culture. In embracing these pillars, NITDA seeks to navigate the dynamic challenges of the digital age while ensuring effective service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

The workshop serves as a testament to NITDA’s proactive approach in leveraging industry partnerships to drive innovation and enhance its operational effectiveness. By harnessing the expertise and resources of AWS, NITDA aims to position itself as a leader in the digital landscape, poised to address the evolving needs of the technology-driven society.

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

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Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, Receives Prestigious Award as Most Valuable Personality in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, Receives Prestigious Award as Most Valuable Personality in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

 

 

In a momentous recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s digital landscape, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has been honored as the Most Valuable Personality in the country’s digital economy by ITedgenews.

This esteemed award underscores Mr. Inuwa’s visionary leadership and remarkable efforts in propelling the Nigerian tech sector to new heights, consequently positioning NITDA as one of the most influential government agencies in the country.

Speaking on the significance of this accolade, Mr. Segun Oruame, the Chief Executive Officer of KnowHow Media and IT Edge News, remarked, “Kashifu Inuwa has demonstrated exceptional leadership in steering NITDA towards achieving its objectives. His visionary approach has significantly contributed to the vibrancy of the tech sector in Nigeria.”

The award ceremony is scheduled as part of the “Forum for 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” taking place today in Lagos. This prestigious event brings together key regulators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Themed as “A Day of Insight and Recognition,” the forum will feature engaging discussions on pivotal topics such as “Nigeria’s Digital Dynamics and the New Economy,” “Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” and “Shaping the Future of Nigeria’s Digital Landscape.”

This recognition serves as a testament to Mr. Kashifu Inuwa’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy to greater heights

 

NITDA Celebrates Exceptional Women Staff Members in Commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024

NITDA Celebrates Exceptional Women Staff Members in Commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024

In honor of International Women’s Day 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) proudly recognized the invaluable contributions of its female staff members during the Quarterly Staff General Meeting.

Led by the esteemed Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the event served as a platform to commend and honor female staff members whose remarkable efforts have significantly contributed to the agency’s accomplishments. In a gesture of appreciation and acknowledgment, Director-General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE presented letters of commendation to these outstanding women, underscoring NITDA’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering women within the agency.

The Quarterly Staff General Meeting not only celebrated the achievements of these exceptional women but also reaffirmed NITDA’s dedication to recognizing and nurturing talent across all gender identities. As an agency at the forefront of technological innovation, NITDA remains steadfast in its mission to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute to the advancement of the digital landscape.

NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NITDA) CONTRIBUTES TO “RENEWED HOPE” AGENDA AT EXPANDED NATIONAL MSME CLINICS 2024

NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NITDA) CONTRIBUTES TO “RENEWED HOPE” AGENDA AT EXPANDED NATIONAL MSME CLINICS 2024

 

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary “Renewed Hope” agenda, designed to position Nigeria as a leading digital economy hub by empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) actively engages in key events supporting this initiative.

Currently, as part of this commitment, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has delegated Engr. Salisu Kaka, the Acting Director of the Digital Economy Development Department, to represent the agency at the maiden edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinics 2024, taking place in Benue State.

The event, which has attracted the participation of over 100 SMEs, highlights the crucial role and potential of the sector in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. Engr. Salisu Kaka will contribute NITDA’s expertise and support to the discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and development of MSMEs, aligning with the overarching goals of the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

NITDA remains committed to its mission of leveraging technology for national development and economic transformation, and this participation underscores the agency’s dedication to the vision set forth by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

GOOGLE INTRODUCES NEW WEST AFRICA DIRECTOR TO NITDA, ASSURES MORE COLLABORATION

GOOGLE INTRODUCES NEW WEST AFRICA DIRECTOR TO NITDA, ASSURES MORE COLLABORATION

 

The Google West Africa presented its new Director for the continent, Mr. Olumide Balogun to the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, as Tech Giant it promised to deepen the collaboration that exists between the two organisations.

Mr. Balogun who led other Google executives to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, disclosed that the familiarisation visit to NITDA has become imperative because it would restate Google West Africa’s commitments to deepening the partnership.

He said, “I have been at Google for four years, and recently took over the West Africa Director lead role. And our coming here today is to identify the critical steps that we need to take to jointly actualise the Nigerian President’s initiative to drive 1 million digital jobs because Google cannot thrive in isolation.”

Mr. Balogun revealed that Google has been working on Africa Internet for over eight years. According to him, “In 2015, during our premier developer event, we announced that Google has shifted from being a mobile-first company to an AI-first company. So, we were quite amused with all the chat GPT conversations.”

While disclosing that Google is currently working on a document that would detail the impact of Artificial Intelligence in Africa which will be launched in the University of Johannesburg, South Africa in September, the Director is inviting the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, to deliver keynote address at the event.

In his remarks, the NITDA boss maintained that he believes that they can create a million digital jobs if they work together to craft a strategy on how to achieve the target.

According to Inuwa, NITDA is positioning Nigeria for accelerated job creation in a digital economy. Saying, “We are looking at the Nigeria Startup Act, which identifies some initiatives such as the talent development that can enable job creation. Nigeria can position itself to bridge the gap because we have youthful population,” he said.

He noted that the government’s responsibility in the ecosystem is to intervene in terms of policies, regulations, and infrastructure where needed, the objectives of any regulation are to help create market, democratize access to services, protect consumers, enhance service delivery, and enable innovation.

“Basically, Regulation can be rule-based and non-rule based. Non-rule-based is what we advocated for. To allow the ecosystem players to self-regulate themselves, put the standard in place, and we can help to ensure new entrance comply to that standard because what we are after is to have a responsible and ethical view of platforms around the world,” he said.

Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA is changing people’s mindset about the perspective on government’s approach to regulation and policy, adding that the Agency is co-creating with the ecosystem in anything it does.Olumide Balogun - Director - West Africa - Google | LinkedIn

He maintained that Nigeria could position itself to bridge the gap in digital transformation because it has a youthful population. “In 2018, digitally transformed enterprise contributed 18.5% global GDP. It was projected to reach 53.3% this year, that is over 50% of the global GDP. The generative AI is going to add about 7 trillion US dollars,” he said.

While acknowledging that NITDA’s partnership with Google Developers Group has resulted in the training of 150,000 youths in Nigeria, Inuwa noted that, “Presently we have an initiative running here in Abuja at our National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and we want to expand the same program to other states in collaboration with the GDG as well. We are looking at how we can build technology development zones in partnership with universities to promote smart manufacturing.”

“Similarly, we are also looking at how to establish the seed investment fund for all the startups to attract investment. Last year, over 626 billion was invested but only 3.5% came to Africa and if you look at our population, we can do more than that; these are some of the ideas we need stakeholders like you to come to work with us on,” he concluded.

NITDA PARTICIPATES AT GITEX AFRICA, EMPHASISES ON REGIONAL COLLABORATION

NITDA PARTICIPATES AT GITEX AFRICA, EMPHASISES ON REGIONAL COLLABORATION

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the need regional collaboration in accelerating digital transformation across Africa, provide opportunities that can propel the continent into a digital era of innovation and inclusive development.

GITEX Africa inaugural edition of technology exhibitions in the region, brings together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss and showcase advancements in technology.

The event provides an ideal platform for organisations to promote dialogue, showcase innovative solutions, and forge partnerships to harness the potential of the digital age. NITDA’s participation focuses on fostering collaborations, sharing best practices, and addressing the challenges hindering Africa’s digital growth.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, participated at the two Panel Sessions themed: “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities” and “Fast Tracking to an Integrated and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure.”

In his presentations, Dr. Onumo discussed the role of technology in driving economic growth, job creation, and digital economy development on the continent. He highlighted the need for African countries to invest in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policy reforms in order to reap the full benefits of digital transformation.

Dr. Onumo also stressed the importance of collaboration between governments, academia, industry, venture capitalist, and the tech community in order to accelerate digital transformation in Africa. He called on African countries to work together to develop common standards and regulations for the digital economy, and to promote the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors of the economy.

He further alluded to the progress made through African Free trade Agreement and African Smart Alliance and called for a sustained effort toward a common digital identity for

He also highlighted the challenges that Africa faces in terms of digital transformation, noting that one of the biggest challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure, digital skills as well as digital inclusion, and pointed out that there is a need for more investment in human capital development.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Onumo said that Africa as a continent has the potential to become a major player in the global digital economy. He called on all stakeholders to work together to overcome the challenges and to seize the opportunities that digital transformation presents.

Dr. Onumo’s shared NITDA’s insights and expertise on digital transformation, especially the development of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024).

He stated that, “Technology is a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa. We need to invest in digital infrastructure and develop our own digital strategies in order to fully reap the benefits of the digital revolution.”

“Public-private partnerships are essential for driving digital transformation in Africa. We need to work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for the continent,” he added.

He reiterated that NITDA is committed to supporting the digital transformation of Nigeria and Africa, adding that, the agency is working with governments, private sector, and the tech community to develop and implement policies, programmes, and initiatives that will accelerate digital transformation on the continent.

“An example of such collaboration is in the development of the Nigeria Startup Act which the ecosystem regards as the game changer that will further catalyse the industry and make Nigeria a global startup destination”, he further stated.

The panel sessions were made up of experts and representatives from governments, businesses, and the tech community from across Africa. The discussions were lively and productive, and there was a clear consensus among the participants that digital transformation is essential for Africa’s economic development.