The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised the pivotal role of data in sustaining a robust digital economy. Speaking at the recently concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, the agency stressed the importance of safe and responsible data utilisation.
NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by the agency’s director of the information technology infrastructure solutions department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi underscored data sovereignty as crucial to securing Nigeria’s digital future. He noted that prioritising data security and privacy would help build a thriving digital ecosystem benefiting individuals and businesses alike.
Organised by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), the Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge celebrated the ingenuity of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs. The event reinforced the agency’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
Abdullahi highlighted that the event aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which envisions positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. “The issue of having something home-grown is very important because, when it comes to data, you realise that data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what drives us now and everything revolves around data,” he said.
He also elaborated on how the event ties into SRAP’s core pillars, including creating a robust technological research ecosystem, fostering digital literacy, nurturing talent, cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure. He urged participants to leverage the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to secure funding and engage angel investors in bringing their ideas to life.
“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to secure proper funding for your projects and connect with investors who can help bring your innovations to the limelight,” he added.
Abdullahi further revealed that NITDA plans to establish “Innovation Nests” in three states, with a goal to expand to six additional locations by the end of the year. These centres will be designed to inspire creativity, featuring world-class facilities for work, leisure, collaboration and networking with investors.
“These centres will provide 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,” he concluded.
Earlier, the national coordinator of ONDI, Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, in her opening remarks, noted that the event aimed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives aligned with SRAP and the ministry’s blueprint pillars of knowledge, innovation and policy. “Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months examining infrastructure across the country, helping us identify opportunities and areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” she said.
