The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across the six states of Southwest Nigeria.
The collaboration was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, with both organisations pledging to strengthen digital skills development, support innovation ecosystems, and expand economic opportunities across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a major step toward harnessing human capital and deepening regional cooperation for sustainable national development.
He praised the Southwest for its culture of collaboration, noting that collective action remains critical to Nigeria’s progress.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation,” Inuwa said.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, making investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology essential for driving prosperity and expanding economic opportunities. He said the partnership would facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives that empower citizens to develop solutions with both national and global relevance.
The NITDA chief also highlighted ongoing efforts by the agency to deepen digital transformation nationwide through digital literacy programmes, innovation hubs, and technology development initiatives. He stressed the importance of regions identifying and leveraging their comparative advantages to build thriving innovation ecosystems.
He cited Lagos’ emergence as the country’s fintech hub and commercial centre, while noting that Abuja is increasingly positioning itself as a GovTech cluster.
Inuwa expressed confidence that the partnership would accelerate the implementation of NITDA’s strategic programmes across the Southwest and urged both organisations to move swiftly from planning to execution.
On his part, the Director General of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, Seye Oyeleye, underscored the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Oyeleye said the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, sees the partnership as a critical platform for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He referenced Nigeria’s goal of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest would play a central role in achieving the target.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
He explained that the MoU formalised a shared commitment to implementing the National Digital Literacy Framework across the region and pledged that the Commission would leverage its network and partnerships to connect federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, emphasising that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The partnership is expected to strengthen digital literacy, support innovation-driven growth, and create sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further advancing the country’s vision of a robust and inclusive digital economy.
