Digital Literacy Key to Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity – NITDA DG
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Digital Literacy Key to Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity – NITDA DG
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to digital literacy as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and national prosperity.
Speaking at the BusinessDay CEO Forum in Lagos, Inuwa spotlighted the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative, an ambitious national programme aimed at achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
According to Inuwa, digital literacy is the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy, empowering people to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic participation.
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INCNews247 reoprts that the DL4ALL Initiative targets Nigerians from all walks of life, including those in schools, offices, marketplaces, and underserved communities, with a view to bridging digital gaps and driving inclusion.
The initiative is designed to provide people with essential digital skills through mobile literacy campaigns, community training hubs, and accessible online platforms.
Inuwa stated that the goal is simple yet transformative: to ensure every Nigerian, whether in urban or rural areas, has the digital skills required to thrive in the modern economy.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s digital evolution, Inuwa traced the country’s journey back to 2001, when the first National IT Policy was introduced and NITDA was established.
Today, over 130 million Nigerians have internet access, and ICT contributes more than 17 percent to the national GDP.
Inuwa also highlighted key milestones in Nigeria’s digital journey, including the enactment of the NITDA Act in 2007 and the policy shift in 2012 towards integrating ICT into daily life.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises digital innovation as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The NITDA boss outlined the strategic pillars guiding the agency’s digital transformation, including fostering digital literacy, building a robust technology research ecosystem, and promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services.
He emphasized that economic reform must not be seen as a destination, but as a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation.
Inuwa further stated that success as a nation depends on how well Nigerians are equipped with digital skills. If done right, Nigeria will not only create jobs and drive innovation but also secure its place as a leader in the global digital economy.
