The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emerged as a leading government agency in driving technological growth and the actualization of Africa’s digital economy.
Mr. Austin Sichinga, a Director in the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), recently visited NITDA in Abuja and commended its efforts in making Nigeria’s ICT industry a model for other nations.
Mr. Sichinga acknowledged NITDA’s significant progress in supporting ICT start-ups and empowering young minds with relevant skills.
The agency’s investments in technology disruption within Nigeria’s agricultural sector were particularly commended. By doing so, NITDA has leapfrogged many African institutions involved in technology development.
The purpose of the ZICTA delegation’s visit was to understand how Zambia can develop its indigenous ICT technology for national progress, drawing inspiration from NITDA’s achievements.
The delegation sought insights on utilizing public infrastructure to promote secure transactions and enhance service delivery through the digital platform.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA, emphasized the need for African governments to collaborate in achieving a strong digital economy for the entire continent.
He highlighted that NITDA has received visits from officials of Ghana, Kenya, and The Gambia, demonstrating the recognition of Nigeria’s technological development efforts.
NITDA has prioritized the training of youths, including over 6,000 individuals, in areas such as digital marketing, content creation, branding, and more.
The agency has also conducted training programs specifically tailored for People Living with Disabilities, Women in ICT, and artisans involved in mobile phone repairs. These initiatives aim to enable individuals to derive economic value from digital technologies.
In order to fulfill its mandates and objectives as outlined in the NITDA Act 2007, the agency follows its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021-2024. Aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the SRAP focuses on seven pillars, each with its respective goals and objectives.
These pillars include Developmental Regulation, Digital Literacy and Skills, Digital Transformation, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, and Promotion of Indigenous Content.
NITDA has issued various IT developmental regulations and guidelines to ensure the effective management and development of the digital ecosystem. Notable guidelines include the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), Guidelines for the Management of Personal Data by Public Institutions in Nigeria, Nigerian Content Development in Information and Communication Technology, Framework and Guidelines for Public Internet Access, and Guidelines for Clearance of Information Technology Project by Public Institutions. These efforts demonstrate NITDA’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital environment.
NITDA has established IT Hubs and Digital Capacity Building Centers throughout Nigeria, creating an enabling environment for the establishment of Indigenous IT companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These initiatives contribute to the growth of the local technology industry and the development of homegrown solutions.
Author
