*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, restates digital literacy is a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and national prosperity for sustainance of the Nigeria Digital Economy

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed Nigeria鈥檚 commitment to digital literacy as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and national prosperity, which that no meaningful digital economy can thrive without it.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, restated this while delivering a presentation titled, 鈥淣igeria鈥檚 Journey to a Digital Economy鈥�, at the BusinessDay CEO Forum, held in Lagos.

The theme of the event was, 鈥淔rom Reforms to Recovery鈥�.

Core objectives of NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All initiative, by Inuwa

Inuwa spotlighted the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative, the agency’s ambitious national programme aimed at achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Director-General said the initiative would lay the groundwork for a resilient, tech-driven future in the West African country.

Inuwa also asserted: 鈥淒igital literacy is the foundation of our digital economy.

“It is not just about knowing how to use devices or apps, it is about empowering people to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic participation.鈥�

He explained that the DL4ALL Initiative targets Nigerians from all walks of life, including those in schools, offices, marketplaces, and underserved communities, with a view to bridging digital gaps and driving inclusion.

The initiative, he noted, is designed to provide people with essential digital skills through mobile literacy campaigns, community training hubs, and accessible online platforms.

The NITDA Chief Executive stated: 鈥淥ur goal is simple yet transformative, to ensure every Nigerian, whether in urban or rural areas, has the digital skills required to thrive in the modern economy.

“A digitally literate nation is a prosperous nation.”

Reflecting on Nigeria鈥檚 digital evolution, Inuwa traced the country鈥檚 journey back to 2001, when the first National IT Policy was introduced and NITDA was established.

He recalled that at the time, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers, and the ICT sector contributed less than 0.5 percent to the country鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, the story is remarkably different, with over 130 million Nigerians having Internet access and ICT now contributing over 17 percent to the national GDP, he said in his presentation.

Inuwa as well recalled key milestones in Nigeria鈥檚 digital journey, including the enactment of the NITDA Act in 2007, which strengthened the agency鈥檚 mandate, and the policy shift in 2012 towards integrating ICT into daily life.

He noted that by 2019, Nigeria had moved beyond basic ICT adoption to actively leveraging digital technologies for economic growth, marking the birth of the digital economy era.

The Director-General noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises digital innovation as a critical driver of Nigeria鈥檚 economic diversification through accelerating industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

Inuwa affirmed: 鈥淢r. President鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda spanning from economic reforms, national security, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure to education, health, social investments, and governance, presents clear opportunities for technology to make a transformative impact across all sectors.

鈥淭echnology is not just an enabler; it is a driving force behind achieving these goals and building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria.”

He further stated: “Today, technology allows us to simplify processes and make everyday life easier.

“However, we must also see technology not as a separate sector, but as a tool that cuts across every critical industry.”

Inuwa explained: “Whether it鈥檚 agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, education, finance, or any other sector, technology plays a pivotal role.

鈥淥ur President鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that technology is not just an enabler, it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and national development.

“This transformation didn鈥檛 happen overnight. It has been a consistent process of reform, innovation, and deliberate action.”

He equally emphasised that economic reform must not be seen as a destination, but as a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation.

Inuwa averred: 鈥淩eforming the economy to deliver sustained, inclusive growth is not about reaching a finish line.

“It is not something we achieve once and then stop.

“Rather, we must see it as a continuous journey, a constant process of improvement and innovation.鈥�

He outlined the strategic pillars guiding NITDA鈥檚 digital transformation, namely; Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents; Build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem; Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Framework; Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services; Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust; Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem; Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration; and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.

鈥淭hese are not abstract goals, they are deliberate, actionable strategies designed to build an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous economy for all Nigerians.

“Our success as a nation depends on how well we equip our people with digital skills.

“If we get this right, we will not only create jobs and drive innovation but also secure Nigeria鈥檚 place as a leader in the global digital economy,鈥� he stated.

Kindly Share This Story