The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has provided a significant platform for policy dialogue and knowledge exchange among industry leaders, regulators, and innovators, marking a critical step forward in Nigeria’s journey towards a digitally empowered future.
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director-General of NITDA, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, emphasized the necessity of synergy in driving the nation’s digital advancement.
“Building a digitally powered nation is not a solitary task. It demands partnerships, shared vision, and mutual trust,” Inuwa said. He underscored that collaboration is pivotal to unlocking Nigeria’s digital future.
Inuwa elaborated on NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) for 2024–2027, which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. He highlighted key areas of focus, including enhancing digital literacy, fostering a robust technology research ecosystem, and strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust.
He urged IT professionals, policymakers, and the private sector to rally behind NITDA’s initiative for digital literacy, stressing that “no one should be left behind in the digital economy we are building.”
Chairman of the NCS Abuja Chapter, John Odumesi, said the forum’s theme — “Aligning Perspectives, Building Synergies: Forging a Unified IT Ecosystem for National Growth” — reflected the urgent need for strategic cooperation across the sector.
“This gathering is not just for talk. It’s for co-creation — to engage, to debate, and to design practical solutions for Nigeria’s digital advancement,” Odumesi stated. “If we continue working in isolation, we will miss the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society and former Federal Permanent Secretary, commended NITDA and NCS for driving dialogue at a critical time in Nigeria’s digital evolution.
“Progress in the IT space cannot be achieved in silos,” she said. “We must complement one another rather than compete if we are to realise our national aspirations. Collaboration must replace rivalry.”
Odusote, who offered a historical reflection on Nigeria’s IT journey, urged younger professionals to view the digital economy not merely as a career path but as a national service. “We must build an ecosystem that reflects shared purpose and integrity,” she added.
The forum ended with a unified message — that Nigeria’s digital economy will only thrive through shared responsibility, institutional cooperation, and sustained investment in people and innovation.
A communiqué issued at the close of the event reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to “build bridges across sectors and ensure policy alignment to foster a robust and inclusive digital future for Nigeria.”
About the Author
