Abuja: TECHz Magazine – News Desk
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is intensifying its push for global partnerships and strategic alliances to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. Recognizing that building a robust, globally competitive digital economy cannot happen in isolation, the agency is actively bridging policy, technology, infrastructure, talent, and international markets.
During a high-level dialogue at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General and CEO of NITDA, urged global leaders to adopt a more inclusive approach to emerging technologies.
Speaking at a session on technology, innovation, and social business for sustainable development, Inuwa emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital tools must expand human capabilities rather than deepen existing inequalities. He stated that inclusive AI requires representation and access – which must mean agency, not just consumption – challenging the global community to ensure AI systems reflect the diverse languages, cultures, and values of the people they serve.
To operationalize this vision, NITDA outlined four foundational pillars shaping Nigeria’s strategy for an inclusive digital and AI ecosystem. This framework relies on connecting populations through expanded digital infrastructure, skilling the workforce to enhance technical capabilities across all demographics, building sovereign computing and cloud power, and creating environments that enable local entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to real societal problems.
Beyond international advocacy, NITDA is translating its digital transformation mandate into actionable local partnerships. The agency recently formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture to drive enterprise digital transformation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Furthermore, NITDA is collaborating with the Nigerian Independent System Operator to accelerate digital transformation within Nigeria’s energy sector. By deploying IoT-enabled infrastructure and improving real-time data access to stabilize the national grid, they are securing the reliable electricity necessary for digital innovation.
This transformation agenda also extends to underserved communities. Through collaborations with grassroots organizations like the Cal-Maji Foundation, the agency has established Knowledge Access Centres in rural and border areas to provide foundational internet and computing access. As Nigeria positions itself as a competitive destination for tech investment, NITDA’s multifaceted approach underscores a core philosophy: the true measure of digital transformation is the number of lives improved and opportunities created.
