*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency, harps on the need for safe and responsible data utilisation, underscoring the critical role of data in driving sustainable Nigeria Digital Economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has underscored the critical role of data in driving sustainable Nigeria Digital Economy.

绿帽献妻 reports NITDA stated Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, said this at the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge (DNIC), held during the week.

Inuwa, represented on the occasion by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) Department, emphasised the need for safe and responsible data utilisation in the West African country.

A group photograph of Innovation Challenge contestants at the Finals聽 聽 聽聽

NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) organised the Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge.

According to NITDA, the event showcased the talents and innovations of Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.

The Director-General of the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also highlighted the importance of data sovereignty in ensuring Nigeria’s digital future.

Inuwa further emphasised that by prioritising data security and privacy, the聽 agency aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.

The event further reinforced the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders, stated Inuwa.

Highlighting the event aligned with NITDA鈥檚 pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, Inuwa said the event underscored NITDA鈥檚 vision to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Data is the currency of digital economy, asserts Inuwa

The Director-General stated: “The issue of having something home-grown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realise that data is the currency of the digital economy.

“It is what is driving us now and everything is all about data.”

Inuwa equally highlighted the relevance of the event which speaks to pillars, including Robust Technological Research Ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure, and Services of the SRAP document.

The NITDA Chief urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to promote their solutions.

He also explained: “The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight.”

On creation of 鈥業nnovation Nests鈥� in Nigeria

Stating the agency鈥檚 commitment to ensuring that indigenous digital innovation thrives in the country, Inuwa disclosed that 鈥淚nnovation Nests鈥� would be created by the agency in three states with plans to expand to 6 more by the end of year.

He said the nests were designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.

Inuwa noted:

“These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment.

“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams.

“Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, the agency said Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the ONDI, had stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Ms. Fabunmi also restated the agency鈥檚 commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives.

She averred that the innovation challenge aligns with NITDA’s SRAP, and fulfillment of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.

Fabunmi stated: “Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas.

“They have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country, and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem.”

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