NITDA DG Calls for Innovation-Driven Economic Rebirth in Kano
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NITDA DG Calls for Innovation-Driven Economic Rebirth in Kano
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged Kano State to reposition its economy through innovation, technology and strategic collaboration, saying these are critical to sustainable growth in the 21st century.
Inuwa made the call at the Kano Startup Weekend, where he described Kano as a historic commercial hub whose long tradition of trade, enterprise and rich human capital provides a strong base for future economic transformation.
He noted that while Kano’s economic strength for centuries was built on commerce and craftsmanship, the modern economy presents even greater opportunities through innovation and digital technology.
According to him, innovation goes beyond invention and must translate ideas into products and services that solve real problems and create value.
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“Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention alone is a cost centre, but when an idea is commercialised and turned into a solution that creates value, it becomes a driver of economic growth and inclusion,” he said.
The NITDA boss said Kano hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, giving the state a strong human capital base.
However, he expressed concern that many of these institutions operate in isolation from industry, with research outcomes rarely finding their way into the market.
He stressed that innovation does not thrive in silos and called for a strong ecosystem that links universities, industries, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research guided by industry needs, industries should apply research findings to improve productivity, while startups should bridge the gap by converting ideas into market-ready solutions.
Inuwa also encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to leverage technology to build scalable businesses capable of competing beyond local markets.
“You can start your business in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has broken down barriers, making it possible for startups to serve national and international markets from anywhere,” he said.
He outlined NITDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation capacity through human capital development programmes, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme.
He explained that while DL4ALL focuses on equipping Nigerians with basic digital skills, the 3MTT programme is designed to produce globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
Inuwa said the programmes align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
“By investing in digital skills and innovation, we are empowering Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and contribute to national development,” he said.
He urged stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem, expressing optimism that with the right mindset and sustained investment in technology and skills, the state can reclaim its leadership position and emerge as a major centre for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
