In the last four years, he has been instrumental in driving
NITDA’s mission of promoting the development and regulation of the information
technology sector in Nigeria. As a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
with a deep understanding of technology and its socio-economic impacts,
combining his expertise with commitment to innovation and brought his wealth of
technical experience to the country’s digital transformation journey.
NITDA has played a significant role in shaping policies and
frameworks that are conducive to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. The
agency has worked tirelessly to foster a supportive ecosystem for technology
start-ups and entrepreneurs, laying the foundation for innovation to thrive.
Through strategic partnerships with both local and international organisations,
the agency has facilitated knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and
investment opportunities, positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital innovation
in Africa.
It’s multifaceted approach to advancing Nigeria’s digital
economy revolves around its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024)
namely Developmental Regulation; Digital Literacy and Skills; Digital
Transformation; Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Cybersecurity;
Emerging Technologies and; Promotion of Indigenous Content.
The Agency has been instrumental in driving the expansion of
digital infrastructure across Nigeria. Initiatives such as the National Digital
Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), Nigeria e-Government Interoperability
Framework (Ne-GIF), Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA), Nigeria
Startup Act, among others, to foster an ecosystem that prioritises digital
inclusion, innovation, and data-driven governance.
Furthermore, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programmes spearheaded
by the DG have provided a platform for startups to flourish; offering grants,
mentorship, and access to resources to nurture a culture of innovation,
resulting in groundbreaking solutions that address local challenges and drive
economic growth.
To safeguard Nigeria’s digital assets, the agency championed
data privacy and cybersecurity through regulatory instrument like the Nigeria
Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), which gave birth to the Nigeria Data
Protection Commission. These efforts not only enhance trust in digital services
but also attract foreign investments and partnerships.
NITDA is actively empowering the Nigerian workforce with the
essential skills demanded by the digital age. Through a range of
capacity-building initiatives, it is extending its reach to civil servants,
journalists, students, corps members, women, and youth. This strategic effort
is aimed at closing the gap in digital skills and enabling individuals to
effectively engage in the burgeoning digital economy.
Inuwa unfolded the potentials in Nigerian farmers through
Federal Government initiative of National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture
(NAVSA), a project aimed at changing the face of agricultural sector in the
country.
In addition to making an effort in IT development as well as
enhancing the IT capacity of the citizenry, hundreds of IT Hubs, IT Parks, and
Community ICT Centres were established, furnished and equipped with world class
facilities across the states of the federation. The agency, through its
strategic relations with techpreneurs, supported start-ups, IT hubs and
ecosystems builders through Nigeria ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision
(NIIEV).
Through his strategic vision, NITDA launched the National
Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) which set the stage for the review of
curriculum from the kindergarten to universities. NDLF also target to achieve
95 per cent digital literacy by the year 2030 which aligns with the vision of
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create over one million jobs for youths in the
digital economy sector.
The agency has attained impressive feats in propelling
Nigeria’s digital economy forward through showcasing Nigeria’s capabilities at
significant events like the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) held
in Dubai and Morocco, as well as the LEAP event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Numerous Nigerian startups have excelled in these events, securing prizes that
empower them to become creators of jobs rather than job seekers.
At the heart of the
President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda lies a comprehensive blueprint for
rejuvenating Nigeria’s economy. This holistic vision encapsulates the
aspirations of a nation that yearns for sustainable development and quality of
life for all citizens. Central to this vision is the recognition that a
thriving digital economy is instrumental in achieving these goals.
President Tinubu believes that equitable access to
technology is pivotal in bridging societal divides and creating opportunities.
To this end, initiatives are being launched to provide digital literacy
programmes in schools, training centers, and rural communities.
The transformational power of technology is amplified when
supported by robust digital infrastructure.
With the President’s Renewed Hope agenda and the DG’s consolidation at NITDA, Nigeria will indeed prioritise digital innovation, infrastructure, and skills development to have a greater accomplishment, and emerge as a global digital powerhouse, driving socio-economic transformation and ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.