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Exclusive Report: NITDA Advocates for Technology as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s Economic Growth
Lagos, Nigeria — In a major push toward leveraging technology to drive economic growth in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, participated in the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Advocacy Roundtable, an event aimed at discussing key strategies to foster national development.
Themed “Role of Technology in Accelerating Nigeria’s Economic Growth,” the roundtable saw key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts converge to discuss the pivotal role technology plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Speaking as a panellist, Inuwa underscored the importance of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), in transforming various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He highlighted that these technologies hold the potential to optimize operational efficiencies across industries, generate job opportunities, and enhance transparency in governmental processes.
“Blockchain, AI, and IoT are not just buzzwords,” Inuwa said. “They are transformative tools that can address systemic challenges in Nigeria, streamline operations, and foster innovation across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and finance. By adopting these technologies, Nigeria can achieve significant economic milestones while empowering its citizens with critical skills for the future.”
In a landmark announcement, the NITDA Director General also unveiled plans to launch a Digital Skills Curriculum, developed in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education. This curriculum, which is set to be integrated into the formal education system by next year, aims to provide young Nigerians with foundational technology skills from an early age. The curriculum will cover essential topics like coding, data analysis, and digital literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and competencies to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“We recognize that technology education must begin early. Our goal with the Digital Skills Curriculum is to ensure that Nigerians can seamlessly navigate technology platforms, enabling them to become proactive contributors to the digital economy,” Inuwa added.
Beyond educational initiatives, Inuwa emphasized NITDA’s commitment to capacity-building programs, which will enable Nigerian youth to acquire skills in high-demand technology fields. Through partnerships with both local and international organizations, NITDA aims to provide mentorship, internships, and training programs focused on AI, blockchain, and IoT.
The NBCC Advocacy Roundtable also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss policy frameworks, address challenges in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, and propose solutions to stimulate sustainable growth. Many attendees were optimistic about NITDA’s direction under Inuwa’s leadership, especially as the agency continues to champion digital literacy, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship in the tech space.
With Nigeria’s population steadily increasing and the demand for digital services expanding rapidly, NITDA’s strategies to embed technology education into the nation’s educational system and develop skilled human capital could be key to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
As the event concluded, stakeholders expressed their support for NITDA’s initiatives, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach between government bodies, the private sector, and educational institutions in realizing Nigeria’s technological potential.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat in Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In an appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.