The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to making digital literacy a national priority, describing it as the foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy and a catalyst for inclusive growth.
Speaking during his presentation titled “Nigeria’s Journey to a Digital Economy” at the BusinessDay CEO Forum in Lagos, Inuwa emphasized that no meaningful digital economy can thrive without a digitally empowered population. The event, themed “From Reforms to Recovery,” convened top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders focused on rebuilding Nigeria’s economy through innovation and reform.
Highlighting the agency’s flagship Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, Inuwa revealed that the programme aims to equip 70 percent of Nigerians with basic digital skills by 2027.
“Digital literacy goes beyond knowing how to use a phone or an app. It’s about equipping people with the tools to unlock opportunities, drive innovation, and participate meaningfully in today’s digital economy,” he said.
The DL4ALL initiative targets all segments of society — from students and civil servants to traders, artisans, and people in underserved areas — with training delivered through community hubs, mobile outreach, and accessible online platforms.
According to Inuwa, this approach ensures that digital empowerment reaches every corner of Nigeria, fostering social inclusion and bridging the digital divide.
“We’re taking digital skills directly to the people — whether in schools, markets, offices, or remote communities,” he noted. “Our goal is to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the digital revolution.”
He added that the initiative is a key component of Nigeria’s broader National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which outlines a comprehensive plan to transform Nigeria into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Inuwa also pointed to complementary efforts by NITDA in areas such as startup support, digital infrastructure, tech talent development, and regulatory reforms — all aimed at creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and economic diversification.
He called for greater collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society to sustain momentum and achieve the shared goal of a digitally inclusive Nigeria.
“The digital economy is the future, and digital literacy is the gateway,” Inuwa concluded. “If we’re serious about economic recovery and long-term growth, we must invest in people — and digital skills are where it begins.”
With the DL4ALL initiative gaining momentum, Nigeria is positioning itself to unlock new opportunities, empower its citizens, and secure its place in the global digital landscape.
