NITDA Pushes Collaboration with Startups to Drive Digital Transformation
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, has stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions and emerging startups to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and national development.
Inuwa made the call at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja, with the theme, “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria.”
Represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships at NITDA, Aristotle Onumo, the DG urged stakeholders across sectors to embrace partnerships as a pathway to innovation and measurable impact.
“Take a good step, and you can make a difference,” he said, noting that ideas must be translated into tangible outcomes through collective effort.
READ ALSO: ISWAP Shura Council Member Killed as Nigerian Military Puts Terrorists on the Run
Speaking on “Enhancing collaboration between government agencies and emerging start-ups,” Inuwa outlined four guiding principles for driving transformation, including enabling the ecosystem rather than controlling it, prioritising networks over institutions, developing talent alongside innovation, and focusing on scalable platforms instead of isolated projects.
He illustrated the impact of digital innovation with the example of a rural farmer whose productivity challenges were addressed through access to digital tools and networks, stressing that such incremental solutions could scale into broader economic gains and contribute to national infrastructure like satellite systems.
“This is the power of space technology, and it shows why events like this are so important,” he added.
The NITDA boss further observed that startups are increasingly driving innovation in telecommunications, navigation, security, and cloud services, noting that a sector once dominated by global powers is now evolving into a key economic driver.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s “Sunrise Packet” is projected to contribute over $1.5bn to the economy by 2030.
“Innovation without adoption is wasted,” Inuwa said, emphasising the need for government to create an enabling environment through policies, infrastructure, and incentives that allow startups to scale.
He added that regulatory frameworks should focus on market creation, ecosystem orchestration, and delivery of public value rather than stifling innovation.
He also noted initiatives such as the Digital Start-Up Act, Idea Hatch, and the National Digital Leadership Programme, designed to empower young innovators and connect them to global opportunities.
Inuwa further cited platforms including GITEX Africa, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria as critical avenues for showcasing startups and attracting investments, partnerships, and mentorship.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, startups, non-governmental organisations, and investors, describing Nigeria’s youth population as a major driver of the country’s digital future.
“If we are going to create a digital Nigeria, we must collaborate,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure as central to the country’s digital future.
According to him, the Nigerian Communications Satellite system provides critical connectivity and resilience across the region.
“Nigeria is the only West African country with its own satellite. NigComSat provides critical connectivity and resilience, benefiting not just Nigeria but the entire region,” he said.
Tijani disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the acquisition of NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B to boost the country’s space capabilities.
He, however, noted that infrastructure alone is insufficient, stressing the need to effectively utilise technology to improve key sectors.
“What truly matters is how we leverage this technology to improve agriculture, education, security, and business operations,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government had committed ₦12bn to a digital economy research cluster fund under Project Bridge to support academics and researchers nationwide.
He added that Nigeria is expanding its digital backbone through 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, nearly 4,000 telecom towers in underserved communities, and additional satellite deployments to enhance regional connectivity across countries including Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Benin.
“The talent, ideas, and energy are all here in Nigeria. It is up to us to turn them into real outcomes for our people and the economy,” Tijani added.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Ideyen, said Nigeria’s space programme was entering a phase of deliberate and focused growth.
She noted that the agency’s revenue grew from less than $650m in 2023 to over $2bn in 2025, attributing the increase to reforms, new commercial deals, and rising demand for satellite broadband services across Africa.
Egerton-Ideyen disclosed that Nigeria has launched seven space assets in just over two decades, adding that the country is shifting from prestige-driven projects to practical solutions aimed at improving connectivity, livelihoods, and inclusive development.
She also revealed that more than 500 young Nigerians were trained in satellite technology in the past year, while over 50 startups benefited from the agency’s accelerator programme.
