NITDA Tasks South-South States on Policy Implementation, Digital Inclusion
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, has tasked South-South states to strengthen policy implementation frameworks and prioritise digital inclusion as part of efforts to achieve Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.
Inuwa gave the charge while speaking virtually at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, which brought together policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and other ecosystem players to chart pathways for accelerated digital development in the region.
He said while significant strides had been made at the federal level in developing digital policies and frameworks, the real impact would only be felt when state governments effectively domesticate and implement them.
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According to him, digital transformation must go beyond policy formulation to structured execution backed by enabling laws and clear governance mechanisms.
The NITDA boss referenced key national frameworks, including the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, noting that although several states have established ICT ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive legal and institutional structures to drive implementation.
“Digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies and establish clear implementation structures,” he said, assuring that NITDA remains ready to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.
On digital inclusion, Inuwa stressed that expanding access to digital skills remains central to inclusive economic growth.
He reiterated NITDA’s target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030 under the National Digital Literacy Framework.
He disclosed that in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills had been integrated into school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-driven learning.
He urged South-South states to ensure that educators in both public and private schools actively participate in the initiative to deepen its impact.
The Director-General also mentioned ongoing efforts to upskill public servants, stating that in partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, over 54,000 federal civil servants had enrolled in structured digital skills training programmes.
He said similar initiatives were being considered for rollout across South-South states to enhance governance efficiency and improve public service delivery.
On partnerships, Inuwa pointed to collaborations with global technology firm Cisco, which provides access to self-paced digital courses, as well as the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitisation in markets, worship centres and motor parks.
He urged stakeholders in the region to strengthen coordination and co-create practical initiatives that would expand digital inclusion and drive sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Cross River State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
He said Cross River was prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the backbone of e-government services, skills development, innovation and job creation.
Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints, Beshel expressed optimism that stronger collaboration with NITDA and private sector players would help narrow the digital divide and position the state as a competitive digital hub.
