ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is urging Nigeria to prioritize digital skills training for its citizens to unlock the full economic potential of technology.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa emphasized that technology should be viewed as a neutral tool that can either accelerate or hinder Nigeria’s socio-economic development, depending on how it is used.
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Inuwa’s remarks were made during a virtual panel session on “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO.
Represented by Barrister Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Inuwa called for strategic policies, stakeholder collaboration, and inclusive digital training to create a sustainable digital future for Nigeria.
He noted that as the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital platforms, Nigerians must be digitally literate to leverage innovative tools like Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, which are now powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed the importance of using these tools for value creation, not just consumption.
Inuwa also emphasized the need to align technological advancement with Nigeria’s cultural heritage, urging innovators and policymakers to ensure that the country’s traditions are preserved while embracing the future.
The session concluded with a renewed call for digital empowerment programs across all sectors, particularly among youth, creatives, and entrepreneurs, highlighting NITDA’s role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
