Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, NITDA’s DG, emphasizes enhanced industry collaboration for Nigeria’s digital transformation at The Omniverse Summit 2025. He highlights the growing digital economy and the role of homegrown fintech giants. Abdullahi stresses the importance of adaptive policies, investment in digital literacy, and public-private partnerships to foster innovation and ensure responsible technology use, urging stakeholders to work together for sustainable economic growth.
Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for enhanced industry collaboration to expedite Nigeria’s digital transformation. Speaking at The Omniverse Summit 2025 in Lagos, he underscored that innovation and policy are vital for sustainable digital growth.
With internet penetration exceeding 55%, Nigeria’s digital economy is projected to contribute over 20% to the GDP by 2030. Abdullahi cited successful fintech companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint as examples of local innovation attracting substantial investment, which is reshaping financial services in the country.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, are also propelling advancements in various sectors such as governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education. NITDA aims to maintain progress through investments in research, development, talent cultivation, and startup support, bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy.
The NITDA DG highlighted the importance of adaptive policies, including the Nigeria Startup Act, which nurtures innovation through structured approaches. He also introduced the Regulatory Intelligence Framework to ensure that policies remain dynamic, protect consumers, and support business expansion efficiently.
Abdullahi stressed the necessity for robust data protection laws and cybersecurity frameworks, as well as governance strategies for AI that promote responsible technology use. He asserted that collaboration is crucial for transforming innovation into tangible progress.
Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in Nigeria’s digital journey, with recent collaborations between the government and global tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta. These partnerships are pivotal in developing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and aligning local policies with global best practices.
He highlighted the recent agreement with Google, which aims to position Nigeria as a global tech hub through infrastructure development, citizen training, AI innovation, and cloud adoption to enhance investment frameworks. This collaborative approach ensures that digital policies are both locally relevant and globally competitive.
NITDA’s commitment to digital literacy is reflected in initiatives like the Digital Literacy for All program, aiming for 70% digital literacy by 2027, in collaboration with the NYSC. Strengthening connections between industry and academia is necessary to ensure that the workforce is equipped with relevant skills for global competitiveness.
Furthermore, Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers significant possibilities for digital trade and investment. By harmonizing digital trade policies and cultivating strategic partnerships, Nigeria can open new markets and attract foreign investments, enhancing its position as a leader in digital services within the region.
In conclusion, Abdullahi urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, academia, and technology innovators—to collaborate in realizing a future where digital transformation is tangible, fostering sustainable economic growth.
“As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration.’ Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business, and every sector.” – Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi
Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi advocates for stronger collaboration across industries to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of innovation and policy in this endeavor. With significant developments in fintech and emerging technologies, NITDA is committed to fostering an adaptable regulatory environment and increasing digital literacy. Cooperation between stakeholders is crucial for advancing a robust digital economy and ensuring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital landscape.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
