NITDA Targets $13bn Creative Industry Growth With Digital Initiatives
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NITDA Targets $13bn Creative Industry Growth With Digital Initiatives
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA has said Nigeria’s creative industry could grow from its current valuation of over $9bn to $13bn in the coming years, as it intensifies digital initiatives to unlock the sector’s economic potential.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this at Moment 2026, described as Africa’s largest convergence of creators, where he outlined the agency’s plans to strengthen the sector through technology-driven interventions.
Represented by the Director of the DG’s Office, Ayodeji Eniola, Inuwa said the agency was focused on building an ecosystem that enables creators to innovate, scale, and compete globally.
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He noted that the sector has evolved from cultural expression into a significant economic driver.
“Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force,” he said.
Inuwa identified digital talent development as a key pillar of NITDA’s strategy, citing the agency’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative programme, which aims to equip young Nigerians with skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media.
He stressed that the convergence of creativity and technology would shape the future of the industry, noting that access to digital tools and the internet has created opportunities for Nigerian creators to reach global audiences.
“Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world,” he added.
To support this growth, the NITDA boss said the agency was investing in critical infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, designed to provide secure and scalable computing resources for digital entrepreneurs.
He also noted ongoing broadband expansion efforts such as Project BRIDGE, aimed at improving connectivity and deepening participation in the digital economy.
On regulation, Inuwa said NITDA was strengthening frameworks to enhance cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, which are essential for protecting creators’ intellectual property.
He further disclosed that the agency was leveraging emerging technologies through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to drive innovation and capacity building in artificial intelligence.
Calling on young Nigerians to recognise the economic value of their creativity, he said, “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”
He reiterated that NITDA would continue to implement policies and foster innovation ecosystems to ensure the sustainable growth of the creative industry, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
