The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged state governments to play a more active role in achieving Nigeria’s 70 percent digital literacy target by 2027. The agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that digital transformation is not solely a federal initiative but a shared national vision that requires every state and local council’s full participation.
Speaking during a visit to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja, Inuwa said Nigeria’s progress toward inclusive growth depends on forging a stronger digital alliance between the Federal Government, state authorities, and development partners. “Our mandate isn’t just federal—it’s truly national. Every tier of government must help embed our initiatives into local structures,” he said.
Inuwa highlighted that NITDA’s mission to create “a digitally empowered nation that uses technology to drive national prosperity” is guided by its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), built on eight key pillars. He noted that fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent remains a top priority, supported by programs such as the Three Million Tech Talent (3MTT) initiative and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).
To reach the target, NITDA is partnering with institutions like the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Through the NYSC Digital Literacy Champions Initiative, over 10 million Nigerians — particularly in the informal sector — are expected to receive digital skills training annually. “No one succeeds in isolation. We must work as an ecosystem to create prosperity and inclusivity through technology,” Inuwa added.
Responding, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF, described the collaboration as a crucial step toward deepening digital inclusion across all 36 states. He commended NITDA’s leadership in promoting innovation and competitiveness, stressing that digital transformation is a “national imperative” capable of enhancing service delivery, expanding opportunities, and improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
source: The Guardian