In 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the visionary leadership of Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital transformation. Through a year filled with bold initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity, NITDA has firmly positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.
One of the standout moments of 2024 came in December with the release of the groundbreaking Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill. This pivotal document, developed in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), tackles the growing issue of online harm in Nigeria, from cyberbullying to misinformation and child exploitation. Drawing on insights from the Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit held by API in 2022, the whitepaper proposed a balanced regulatory framework that ensured the safety of citizens, especially children, while fostering a vibrant digital space.
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, NITDA expressed sincere appreciation to the steering team members, predominantly from Nigeria’s civil society, for their essential contributions. The agency also thanked the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the project secretariat for their unwavering dedication to compiling the research that made this milestone possible. The whitepaper is available for public access here: https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb
Beyond this achievement, NITDA’s 2024 was filled with transformative initiatives across key sectors. One notable event was the Security Hackathon held in April, Nigeria’s first-ever hackathon focused on creating cybersecurity solutions. This event attracted developers, cybersecurity experts, and students who worked together to build practical solutions to combat cyber threats. The outcomes were integrated into Nigeria’s national cybersecurity framework, underscoring NITDA’s role in shaping a secure digital environment.
January 2024 marked the launch of a revolutionary agricultural initiative, where NITDA signed a strategic MOU with leading tech firms to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and drones into Nigerian agriculture. This initiative is set to boost agricultural productivity by helping farmers increase crop yields and adopt sustainable farming practices. Through this partnership, NITDA is driving food security and innovation in one of Nigeria’s most crucial sectors.
In February, NITDA turned its focus to financial literacy, partnering with fintech companies to empower Nigerians with knowledge on digital banking, online transactions, and investment opportunities. As the nation advances toward a cashless economy, this initiative plays a vital role in ensuring that Nigerians are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Another significant milestone came in March with the launch of the iHatch Startup Incubation Program, a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This program provided vital support for Nigerian startups, particularly in the health tech, agritech, and fintech sectors, offering mentorship, funding, and market access to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses and thrive in the global market.
NITDA’s commitment to regional collaboration took center stage in 2024. By partnering with ECOWAS, API, and the African Union, NITDA addressed digital governance, cybersecurity, and cross-border digital trade challenges, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the African digital ecosystem. The agency also engaged with tech giants like X (formerly Twitter), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, ensuring that these platforms adhere to Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, prioritizing user safety and digital responsibility.
In June, NITDA held critical public consultations to gather input on IT project guidelines and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that its policies reflect the diverse needs of stakeholders. This inclusive approach reinforces NITDA’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
The CO-CREATE Africa Tech Exhibition in July showcased NITDA’s global reach, bringing together policymakers, investors, and innovators to discuss the future of Africa’s digital landscape. By facilitating international collaboration, NITDA helped to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem, ensuring that the continent remains competitive in the global tech space.
As 2024 drew to a close, NITDA’s focus remained on entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity. The Digital States Initiative, which trained over 20,000 Nigerian youths in web development, graphic design, and cybersecurity, is preparing the next generation of Nigerians to thrive in a rapidly digitizing world.
NITDA’s 2024 achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of its management team, staff, and the Strategic Communications spearheaded by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations. Their work has been instrumental in amplifying NITDA’s initiatives and ensuring that the agency’s message resonates with a global audience.
Moreover, NITDA extended its gratitude to the media, whose invaluable support has been key in spreading awareness about the agency’s groundbreaking initiatives and policies. Through their efforts, NITDA’s work has reached millions, helping Nigerians and the world stay informed about the latest digital trends and regulatory developments.
As NITDA reflects on a successful 2024, the agency looks ahead to even greater achievements in 2025. With a strong foundation of innovation, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth, NITDA is poised to continue leading Nigeria’s digital transformation, ensuring that the country remain at the forefront of the global digital economy.
*Babalola is the Publisher of Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine,can be reached at [email protected].
