….Say It Is Transforming Challenges into Global Opportunities

…Leadership’s Paradigm Shift Bolstering Digital Economy and Investor Confidence- Aigbegbele

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Nigeria’s information technology sector to global recognition despite numerous challenges. The agency’s regulatory strides, strategic innovations, and impactful partnerships are paving the way for sustainable ICT growth, economic diversification, and enhanced digital literacy across the nation.

In a press statement issued by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), and President of the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice, and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ), the organization lauded NITDA’s transformational leadership under Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE. The statement highlighted the agency’s proactive reforms and paradigm shift, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and good governance as central pillars of its renewed operational framework.

“NITDA has strategically repositioned the ICT sector by fostering innovation, enhancing policies, and creating an enabling environment for techpreneurs,” Aigbegbele noted. “Its collaborative partnerships with global tech giants like Cisco, TikTok, and international institutions, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and USAID, have strengthened Nigeria’s digital economy, widened access to digital literacy, and empowered the youthful demographic.”

Key to these efforts is the establishment of a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a foundational electronic signature framework developed using international best practices and significant investments in technology infrastructure. This initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 (2024–2027) and supports the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda for digital transformation.

CWAI praised NITDA for its forward-thinking initiatives in cybersecurity awareness, data privacy advocacy, and the creation of a robust IT policy environment that protects users from malware and hackers. “Through aggressive sensitization, the agency educates Nigerians on best practices for data protection and safe technology usage,” Aigbegbele said.

The organization also acknowledged NITDA’s role in skill development and youth engagement, citing programmes that expose Nigerian tech talents to global innovation platforms and exchange opportunities. By partnering with entities like the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and state governments, NITDA is cultivating a pool of globally competitive digital professionals.

“Despite power supply issues, regulatory duplications, and other industry challenges, NITDA’s leadership has boosted investor confidence and positioned the country’s tech industry on a growth trajectory,” the statement added.

CWAI concluded by urging stakeholders to support NITDA’s vision for a dynamic digital ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and MSME growth. It emphasized the importance of broad-based collaboration to sustain the agency’s momentum and fulfill its mission of making Nigeria a global hub of technology innovation.