Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, NITDA Director-General, advocated for enhanced industry collaboration to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation during The Omniverse Summit 2025. He underscored the importance of innovation, adaptive policies, and public-private partnerships to bolster Nigeria’s expanding tech ecosystem. Abdullahi highlighted emerging technologies and educational initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy, crucial for building a skilled workforce and positioning Nigeria as a regional digital leader.
Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has advocated for enhanced collaboration within the industry to propel Nigeria’s digital transformation. Speaking at The Omniverse Summit 2025 in Lagos, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, he emphasized innovation and policy as crucial components for sustainable digital growth in the nation.
With internet penetration surpassing 55 percent and projections indicating that the digital economy could contribute over 20 percent to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, Abdullahi described the rapid expansion of the tech ecosystem. He highlighted remarkable local fintech companies, such as Flutterwave and Paystack, demonstrating the significant investment and transformation in financial services through native innovation.
Abdullahi further noted that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are generating advancements in multiple sectors like governance, healthcare, agriculture, and education. To sustain this progress, NITDA is committed to enhancing innovation through initiatives that support research and development and cultivate talent, aiming to increase digital literacy and close the digital divide across the country.
The NITDA DG pointed out that a successful digital economy necessitates adaptive policies, stressing the importance of regulatory frameworks, including the Nigeria Startup Act. This Act provides a comprehensive strategy for fostering innovation, while NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework ensures that policies are proactive, data-informed, and cognizant of industry needs to facilitate efficient business scaling.
Abdullahi underscored the immediate requirement for robust data protection laws, cybersecurity measures, and AI governance to encourage responsible technology use. He reaffirmed that collaboration is pivotal for transforming innovation into tangible results, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s digital advancement.
He cited noteworthy collaborations between the Federal Government and global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta, which strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Notably, the agreement with Google aims to establish Nigeria as a global tech hub, focusing on infrastructure, citizen skills enhancement, AI innovation, and investment frameworks that reflect international best practices while addressing national challenges.
NITDA’s focus on digital literacy was exemplified through initiatives like the Digital Literacy for All program, developed in association with the NYSC, which aspires to achieve 70 percent digital literacy by 2027. Abdullahi emphasized that fostering collaboration between industry and academia is vital for preparing a workforce adept in technology and ready for global competition.
Moreover, he acknowledged that Nigeria’s involvement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers lucrative opportunities for digital trade and investment. By aligning its digital trade policies and engaging in strategic partnerships, Nigeria can access new markets and attract foreign investments, reinforcing its leadership in regional digital services.
In conclusion, Abdullahi implored all stakeholders—including government entities, private sector participants, academic institutions, and technology innovators—to unite in crafting a future wherein digital transformation becomes a reality that fuels sustainable economic growth. He aptly stated, “As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration.’”
Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi’s address at The Omniverse Summit 2025 highlighted the crucial role of industry collaboration in accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of innovation, policy adaptation, and robust regulatory frameworks to create an environment conducive to digital growth. Further, he called for unified efforts among all stakeholders to translate technological advancements into sustainable economic progress.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
