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Nigeria Can DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa
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By Fatimah Yusuf Usman
If Nigeria ever needed proof that purposeful governance can birth progress, then the past two years of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) offer strong evidence.
In an era where many public institutions remain stuck in bureaucracy and noise, NITDA has quietly—but impactfully—demonstrated what it means to work with vision, clarity, and results.
Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the agency has become one of the few glowing examples of what is possible when a government body aligns its mission with the real needs of its people.
From empowering grassroots communities with digital tools to reengineering how government approaches tech regulation, NITDA has helped steer Nigeria closer to the promise of a fully digital economy.
And it is doing so without unnecessary fanfare.
Empowering Minds, One Skill…
One of NITDA’s most profound legacies is its clear devotion to empowering the Nigerian people with digital skills—not just in theory, but with deliberate action.
The “Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL)” is not just a campaign slogan; it is a boots-on-the-ground movement that has already trained over 152,790 Nigerians across 12 states. That is not a number plucked from reports—it is lives changed, dreams reborn, and futures redirected.
The “One Million Developers” project has added another layer, grooming a generation of coders, creators, and critical thinkers. These programs are not elitist—they reach the remote corners of the country.
Over 1,500 digital learning centers have been rolled out in underserved regions, showing that tech development is not only for the urban elite. Whether in Kano or Kogi, Nigerians are getting connected to the future.
Policy that Makes Sense
For an agency often dismissed in the past as an “IT compliance body,” NITDA has flipped the script. It now leads with thoughtful policy, relevant frameworks, and savings that speak volumes.
With the retooling of its IT Project Clearance Guidelines, the agency has saved the government over ₦311 billion. That is not just prudent administration—it is fiscal patriotism.
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The launch of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) has shown that this agency is not flying blind. Everything is anchored in structure, strategy, and sustainability.
And beyond roadmaps, it is initiating critical policies around Artificial Intelligence and digital safety, laying solid bricks for Nigeria’s tech future before we even arrive there.
Innovation from the Ground Up
For startups, inventors, and the tech-inclined youth, NITDA has become an institution that listens and lifts.
Through the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), it is showing how innovation can meet agriculture and create over 5,000 jobs in the process. That is not theory—it is measurable impact.
With the Nigeria Startup Act now operational, the foundation for legal and institutional support for tech entrepreneurs has been laid.
Add to that the rising global presence of Nigerian startups at events like GITEX and LEAP—thanks to NITDA’s backing—and it becomes clear that this is not just about regulation, but real acceleration.
The Man at the Helm
Much of this renewed energy can be traced to Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency’s Director-General. His leadership is not just about occupying an office—it is about using it.
His approach is hands-on, deliberate, and people-focused. He understands the urgency of this moment and responds with clarity and courage. Unlike many, he is not just reacting to the digital age—he is preparing Nigeria to lead in it.
From striking meaningful partnerships to instituting reforms that prioritize human capital, Kashifu’s leadership shows what happens when public servants are not content with mediocrity.
Under him, NITDA has transformed from a back-office regulator into a frontrunner in Nigeria’s digital future.
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria inches toward becoming a digital-first economy, institutions like NITDA become even more critical. The work is not done—but the blueprint is clear.
With sustained support, stronger collaborations, and a people-centered approach, the next phase of NITDA’s journey could redefine not just our tech space, but our national identity.
In a country hungry for hope and results, NITDA is proving that progress is not just possible—it is already happening. Quietly. Purposefully. Powerfully.
Fatimah Yusuf Usman writes from PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. She can be reached via: [email protected].
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