The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, has emphasised the need for stronger industry collaboration to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Speaking at The Omniverse Summit 2025 in Lagos, where he was represented by director of stakeholder management and partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Abdullahi highlighted innovation and policy as key drivers of sustainable digital growth.
With internet penetration exceeding 55 per cent and the digital economy projected to contribute over 20 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, Abdullahi noted that the nation’s tech ecosystem is expanding rapidly. He pointed to homegrown fintech giants like Flutterwave, Paystack and Moniepoint as examples of how local innovation is attracting billions in investment and reshaping financial services.
Beyond fintech, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving advancements in governance, agriculture, healthcare and education. Abdullahi stated that to maintain this momentum, NITDA remains committed to fostering innovation through research and development investments, talent cultivation and startup support systems. These initiatives, he added, aim to bridge the digital divide and boost digital literacy nationwide.
Recognising that a thriving digital economy requires adaptive policies, the NITDA DG underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides a structured approach to nurturing innovation. He also highlighted NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which ensures policies remain dynamic, data-driven and industry-aware, thereby protecting consumers while enabling businesses to scale efficiently.
Additionally, Abdullahi stressed the urgent need for stronger data protection laws, cybersecurity frameworks and AI governance strategies that promote the responsible use of technology. As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, he emphasised that collaboration is essential to turning innovation into measurable progress.
Public-private partnerships, according to Abdullahi, have played a crucial role in Nigeria’s digital journey. He cited recent collaborations between the Federal Government and global tech giants such as Microsoft, Google and Meta, which reinforce the importance of synergy in developing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He highlighted the recent agreement between the Federal Government and Google, which is set to position Nigeria as a global tech hub. This partnership focuses on infrastructure development, citizen upskilling, AI innovation, cloud adoption and investment framework enhancement. He explained that this collaborative approach ensures digital policies align with global best practices while addressing local challenges.
NITDA’s commitment to digital literacy was also a key focus, with Abdullahi mentioning initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme in partnership with the NYSC, which aims to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027. He stressed that strengthening ties between industry and academia is essential to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, ensuring a digitally skilled workforce ready to compete globally.
Abdullahi further emphasised that Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents significant opportunities for digital trade and investment. By harmonising digital trade policies and leveraging strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock new markets and attract more foreign investments, strengthening its position as a regional leader in digital services.
The NITDA DG concluded by urging all stakeholders – government, private sector, academia and tech innovators – to work together in shaping a future where digital transformation is not just a vision but a reality that drives sustainable economic growth.
“As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration.’ Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business and every sector,” he stated.
