Nigeria Must Harness AI, Digital Skills to Stay Competitive — NITDA
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Nigeria Must Harness AI, Digital Skills to Stay Competitive — NITDA
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA has said Nigeria must urgently embrace artificial intelligence and digital skills development to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The agency stated this at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 held at the EUI Centre in Rivers State, where stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the startup ecosystem gathered to discuss the future of innovation and digital transformation in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NITDA, Dr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said the nation’s economic future would be determined by its ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and leverage emerging technologies.
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Delivering the keynote address at the two-day expo themed, “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies,” Inuwa stressed that countries investing heavily in digital technologies and human capital were positioning themselves for long-term economic growth and global relevance.
According to him, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and other digital technologies is reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for wealth creation, productivity, and job generation.
He noted that Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth populations in the world, a demographic advantage that could become a major driver of economic transformation if adequately equipped with relevant digital skills.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he said.
The NITDA boss said the global digital economy presents significant opportunities for Nigeria to diversify its economy, attract investments, and create sustainable employment, adding that the country must take deliberate steps to prepare its workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He explained that NITDA was implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 to accelerate digital transformation through programmes focused on digital literacy, innovation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
Inuwa also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private sector organisations, academic institutions, development partners, and technology startups to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He noted that no single institution could drive digital transformation alone, stressing that partnerships remain critical to building a sustainable and globally competitive digital economy.
The expo featured discussions on artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, startup development, innovation financing, technology adoption, and ecosystem growth.
Participants explored ways of positioning the Niger Delta as a leading hub for technology and innovation while addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, startup funding, technology commercialisation, and digital skills shortages.
During the event, NITDA engaged technology firms, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on areas of potential collaboration aimed at expanding digital inclusion and supporting innovation-led development.
The agency also noted some of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and projects under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation.
Stakeholders at the expo commended NITDA’s efforts in promoting digital literacy and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, describing innovation as a critical tool for economic diversification and national development.
The event ended with a renewed commitment by participants to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation, and create more opportunities for young Nigerians to actively participate in the digital economy.
