The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the federal and state governments to accelerate the achievement of Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
Speaking virtually at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, Inuwa said aligning sub-national policies with national digital strategies remains essential for sustainable digital transformation. The forum convened policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and ecosystem stakeholders to advance digital development across the region.
According to him, while progress has been recorded at the federal level, real success depends on how effectively national initiatives are implemented within states through domesticated policies and structured governance frameworks.
He noted that although several states have established ICT-focused ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and implementation structures. NITDA, he added, remains committed to providing technical support and advisory services to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.
Inuwa identified digital literacy as a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth, revealed that under the National Digital Literacy Framework, the agency targets 95 per cent nationwide digital literacy by 2030. In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been integrated into school curricula, with teachers undergoing nationwide capacity-building programmes. He urged South-South states to ensure full participation of educators in both public and private schools.
The NITDA boss also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance digital capacity within the public sector. In collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, over 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training programmes, with plans underway to extend similar initiatives to states in the region.
On strategic partnerships, Inuwa referenced collaborations with Cisco to provide access to self-paced digital courses, as well as initiatives with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose digital champions conduct grassroots sensitisation campaigns in markets, worship centres, motor parks and among senior citizens to promote digital inclusion.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
Beshel said the state is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure to drive e-government services, innovation, skills development and job creation. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery across the state.
Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, he expressed optimism that stronger collaboration with NITDA and private sector partners would help bridge the digital divide, strengthen cybersecurity resilience and promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
He added that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within the country’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
