The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for intensified collaboration with sub-national governments, asserting that the success of Nigeria’s digital transformation hinges on the active participation of states, reports ITREALMS.
Speaking virtually at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that while federal policies have laid a strong foundation, the real impact occurs when these frameworks are domesticated and implemented at the grassroots level.
Inuwa highlighted key legislative milestones, such as the Nigeria Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, noting that true sustainability requires states to establish clear governance structures and enabling laws. While several states have created ICT-focused ministries, the DG observed that many still lack the formal legal mechanisms needed to drive a thriving tech ecosystem.
"Digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies," Inuwa stated, reaffirming NITDA’s readiness to provide technical guidance to states looking to strengthen their digital regulatory environments.
A cornerstone of NITDA’s strategy is the ambitious goal of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. To meet this target, NITDA is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to embed digital skills into school curricula.
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Inuwa highlighted key legislative milestones, such as the Nigeria Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, noting that true sustainability requires states to establish clear governance structures and enabling laws. While several states have created ICT-focused ministries, the DG observed that many still lack the formal legal mechanisms needed to drive a thriving tech ecosystem.
"Digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies," Inuwa stated, reaffirming NITDA’s readiness to provide technical guidance to states looking to strengthen their digital regulatory environments.
A cornerstone of NITDA’s strategy is the ambitious goal of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. To meet this target, NITDA is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to embed digital skills into school curricula.
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Teacher Training: Educators nationwide are undergoing capacity-building to support technology-driven learning.
Civil Service Upskilling: In collaboration with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, over 54,000 federal workers have enrolled in digital training, a model NITDA hopes to replicate across the South-South states.
Community Outreach: Through partnerships with Cisco and the NYSC, "Digital Champions" are conducting sensitizations in markets, motor parks, and worship centers to ensure even senior citizens are included in the digital shift.
Representing the regional interest, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth.
Beshel identified broadband expansion as the state's top priority, describing it as the backbone for e-government, job creation, and innovation. Despite challenges like rural connectivity gaps and funding constraints, the Commissioner expressed optimism that strategic partnerships with NITDA and the private sector would narrow the digital divide and position Cross River as a competitive technology hub.
"Improved connectivity will unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery statewide," Beshel noted, emphasizing that coordinated action is the only way to ensure inclusive participation in the burgeoning digital economy.
Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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