NITDA urges stronger South-South digital alignment drive
The National Information Technology Development Agency has called for stronger collaboration with state governments in Nigeria’s South-South region, stressing that sub-national alignment is critical to achieving the country’s digital economy objectives.
The statement, issued on Sunday, followed remarks by NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa during the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, an online event that brought together policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations, and ecosystem players to discuss strategies for accelerating digital development in the region.
Inuwa highlighted that while NITDA has made significant strides at the federal level, the true test of success lies in translating national policies into actionable programmes at the state level. He emphasised that sustainable digital transformation requires states to domesticate policies and establish structured implementation frameworks.
“The Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework provide strong foundations,” Inuwa said.
Several states have created ICT ministries and agencies, but some still lack enabling laws and governance mechanisms.
NITDA stands ready to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.”
Digital literacy, according to the NITDA Director-General, remains central to inclusive growth. The National Digital Literacy Framework aims for 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. Inuwa noted that digital skills have been embedded in school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-driven learning. He urged South-South states to ensure educators in both public and private schools fully participate in the initiative.
Inuwa also detailed efforts to upskill public servants. “More than 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Similar programmes are being considered for South-South states to enhance governance efficiency and public service delivery”, he added.
On partnerships, Inuwa cited collaborations with global technology firms such as Cisco, which provide access to self-paced digital courses, and the National Youth Service Corps, whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitisation in markets, worship centres, motor parks, and among senior citizens. He urged stakeholders in the zone to co-create practical initiatives that expand digital inclusion.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation in Cross River State, reaffirmed his state’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development. He noted that broadband expansion and digital infrastructure remain top priorities for enabling e-government services, skills development, innovation, and job creation.
Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, Beshel expressed optimism about the potential of strategic partnerships. He described collaboration with NITDA and private sector players as essential to narrowing the digital divide, boosting cybersecurity resilience, and ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Beshel said, “Sustained investment and coordinated action will position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s growing technology landscape.”
The forum underscored the importance of coordinated action between federal and state governments, private sector actors, and civil society in driving Nigeria’s digital agenda, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in achieving broad-based digital inclusion in the South-South region
By: Justice Okamgba
