Digital Solutions critical For effective Governance -DG NITDA

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasized that embracing technology and digital solutions is crucial for modernizing and enhancing service delivery, leading to better governance.

The NITDA Director General made this assertion in Abuja at the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with the theme: Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that digitising government services are essential for Nigeria’s economic growth, adding that by leveraging technology, the country can implement policies and programs more efficiently, driving progress and development.

“This aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to create a digital economy that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.

While emphasising the need for a comprehensive agenda that focuses on human capital development, digital literacy, and skills training, particularly in both formal and informal sectors, the Director General highlighted the importance of digital innovation and transformation for economic growth and empowerment.

He added that the aim is to foster strong institutions that would enhance citizens’ lives through effective governance and technological adoption, in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Inuwa noted that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) is structured around eight pillars, which include: Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, 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 Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organizational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

He further explained that through the “Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents” pillar, they will accelerate transformation and innovation through human capital, which is their greatest resource, and they project that by 2030, they will achieve 95 percent digital literacy.

Inuwa stated, “The Agency is targeting to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 through three initiatives. The Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop a digital skills curriculum and incorporate digital literacy and skills into our formal education.”

The NITDA boss mentioned that the second initiative focuses on the informal sector, targeting market women and artisans by providing them with the required knowledge about digital literacy to help them in their businesses.

He said, “We are also collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through the Digital Literacy for All initiative, which has started in 12 states and will be extended to all states, targeting to train 30 million Nigerians.”

In his earlier welcome address, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, stated that digital transformation is crucial to the country’s public service and has the potential to enhance service delivery, promote citizen engagement, and foster inclusive governance.

He asserted that the e-governance reforms are expected to position Nigeria as a leader in digital governance, enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, paving the way for the advancement of the country.

Arabi further explained that with the right technology and innovation, we can not only fulfil the mandates of the Renewed Hope Agenda and also create a more prosperous and inclusive society for all Nigerians.