In a landmark move to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s cultural heritage and digital innovation, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the nation’s cultural and creative industries (CCI).
At a high-level meeting held at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, NCAC Director-General, Mr. Obi Asika, and NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, outlined a collaborative framework to drive growth, innovation, and digital transformation. Senior leadership teams from both agencies were present to finalize the agreement.
Central to this partnership is the expansion of NCAC’s flagship Innovate, Create, Empower (ICE) program, which aimed to equip cultural and creative professionals with cutting-edge skill.
With NITDA’s support, the ICE program will scale up to 1,000 locations nationwide, targeting the training of 2 million Nigerians by 2027. NITDA will provide digital labs and other facilities to enhance the program’s reach and impact.
Recognizing the need for robust infrastructure, NCAC has also sought NITDA’s assistance to equip its offices across Nigeria with computers, digital labs, and podcast studios. This initiative will enable a seamless transition to a fully digital workspace, facilitating efficiency and innovation in the sector.
The partnership is set to revolutionize cultural promotion through digital platforms. NCAC is working with private partners to develop platforms for e-commerce, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), fan engagement, and influencer marketing. NITDA will provide technical support, including cloud services and distribution networks, to ensure these platforms succeed.
In line with this digital shift, the two agencies have committed to launching BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform that will give Nigerian artisans and traders access to global markets. The pilot phase will cover major cities such as Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, promoting local products and cultural craftsmanship.
The partnership extended to major events like GITEX Nigeria 2025, where NCAC will mobilize creative professionals to showcase their talents and collaborate with tech innovators. Additionally, NCAC’s Nigeria’s Got Talent platform will integrate NITDA’s digital literacy programs and gamified learning tools, creating opportunities for creatives to thrive in a technology-driven world.
To ensure the seamless execution of these initiatives, a joint committee comprised Directors from both agencies has been established. The committee will oversee the partnership’s implementation and monitor its progress.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Obi Asika emphasized the significance of merging culture with technology. “This partnership is a game-changer for Nigeria’s creative industries, offering them the tools and platforms to compete globally while preserving our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa added, “Integrating digital innovation with our cultural assets is key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s creative economy. This partnership is a critical step in that direction.”
With this alliance, NCAC and NITDA are set to transform Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape, driving innovation and fostering economic growth in the process.
