The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to digital literacy, describing it as the backbone of economic growth, social inclusion, and national prosperity. He stressed that no thriving digital economy can exist without a digitally skilled population.
Inuwa made these remarks during his presentation titled “Nigeria’s Journey to a Digital Economy” at the recent BusinessDay CEO Forum in Lagos, which held under the theme “From Reforms to Recovery.”
A central focus of his address was the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative, a bold national programme aimed at achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027. He described the initiative as fundamental to building a resilient, technology-driven future.
“Digital literacy goes far beyond using devices or apps—it’s about empowering people to seize opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and active participation in the economy,” Inuwa explained.
He noted that the DL4ALL initiative targets Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, including students, office workers, market traders, and those in underserved communities, aiming to close digital gaps and drive inclusivity. According to Inuwa, the programme delivers essential digital skills through mobile literacy campaigns, community training hubs, and accessible online platforms.
“Our vision is simple but transformative: to equip every Nigerian—urban or rural—with the digital skills necessary to succeed in today’s economy. A digitally literate nation is a prosperous nation,” he declared.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s digital transformation, Inuwa traced the country’s journey back to 2001 when the first National IT Policy was introduced and NITDA was established. At that time, fewer than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers, and the ICT sector contributed less than 0.5 percent to Nigeria’s GDP. Today, he noted, over 130 million Nigerians are connected to the internet, and ICT contributes more than 17 percent to the nation’s GDP.
He highlighted several key milestones along the way, such as the passage of the NITDA Act in 2007, which reinforced the agency’s mandate, and the pivotal policy shift in 2012 toward embedding ICT into daily life. By 2019, Nigeria had advanced beyond merely adopting ICT to leveraging digital technologies as engines of economic growth, ushering in the era of the digital economy.
Inuwa emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises digital innovation as essential for economic diversification and growth, spanning sectors such as industrialisation, digitisation, creative industries, manufacturing, and broader technological innovation.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda covers economic reforms, security, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, education, health, social investments, and governance—each presenting significant opportunities for technology to drive transformative change,” he said.
He stressed that technology should not be viewed as a standalone sector but as a powerful tool that permeates every industry. “Technology is not merely an enabler—it’s a critical force propelling our national goals and building an inclusive, resilient Nigeria,” Inuwa stated. “Whether it’s agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, education, or finance, technology plays a pivotal role.”
Inuwa further underscored that economic reform is not a finite goal but an ongoing journey requiring constant innovation and adaptation. “Reforming the economy for sustainable, inclusive growth is not a one-time achievement. It’s a continuous journey of improvement and innovation,” he explained.
The NITDA DG outlined the agency’s strategic pillars guiding Nigeria’s digital transformation, which include:
- Fostering Digital Literacy and Talent Development
- Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem
- Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks
- Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services
- Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
- Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
- Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
- Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Culture and Agile Workforce within NITDA
“These pillars aren’t mere aspirations—they’re deliberate, actionable strategies designed to build an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous economy for all Nigerians,” Inuwa concluded. “Our national success hinges on how effectively we equip our people with digital skills. If we get this right, we won’t just create jobs and spur innovation—we’ll secure Nigeria’s place as a leader in the global digital economy.”
