The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed the pivotal role of data in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. Speaking at the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, described data as the “new oil and lifeblood of the digital economy.”
“Data is reusable and inexhaustible, and you can have access to it if given the license,” said Inuwa, represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions. He mentioned that leveraging data for societal growth could unlock progress in various sectors driving national development.
Inuwa also highlighted the importance of data sovereignty. He said that prioritizing data security and privacy is essential for building a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.
As part of its strategy to support indigenous digital innovation, NITDA plans to establish Innovation Nests in nine states by 2025. These hubs will provide startups with collaborative workspaces, leisure areas, and networking opportunities to connect with investors and industry experts. “Data is the currency of the digital economy, and the issue of having something home-grown is very important,” Inuwa added.
The agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 forms the foundation of its efforts to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The roadmap aims to create opportunities for local innovators while aligning with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.
The Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) also featured at the event. Participants were encouraged to leverage its provisions for funding and support. The Act connects startups with angel investors, fostering innovation and commercialization. Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of ONDI, reiterated NITDA’s commitment to advancing digital innovation through strategic initiatives tied to SRAP.
Highlighting the critical role of data in national challenges, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, commended the federal government’s efforts. “During the pandemic, Nigeria used the National Centre for Disease Control’s COVID-19 microsite to share cases, updates, testing locations, and vaccination progress,” he noted.
NITDA continues to drive Nigeria’s vision of becoming a global leader in the digital economy.
