The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through green technology and innovation initiatives.
Inuwa made this commitment while speaking at the 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED 2025) event organised by the Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) with the theme “Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Business and Society.”
Commending YIN for hosting the timely and visionary dialogue, the Director-General, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Innovation and Research, Mr Lukman Lamid, noted the group’s consistent efforts in promoting innovation, nurturing young talent, and driving sustainable solutions vital for national development.
While highlighting the role of the country’s young innovators in shaping its future, Inuwa said: “TED 2025 once again proves that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today.”
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He noted that the theme of the event aligned with the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts manufacturing, and innovation.
Speaking on NITDA’s interventions to strengthen the technology ecosystem, Inuwa listed several initiatives, including the establishment of Technology and Innovation Hubs, iHatch, the National Innovation Challenge, Ignite Her, We Elevate, and Renewed Hope Innovation Nest, among the sundry efforts.
Similarly, he cited partnerships that fostered research and development in frontier technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and clean energy as other key components of the agency’s drive to grow the nation’s ecosystem.
The Director-General clarified: “These initiatives are designed to ensure that innovation is inclusive—reaching youth, women, and MSMEs across Nigeria—while equipping them with digital tools to create scalable solutions.”
According to him, Nigeria embracing green technology is not optional but a necessity hence the need for collaboration between government, industry, academia, and citizens to build a digital, green, and inclusive future.
Inuwa assured stakeholders that NITDA was fully committed to partnerships that will enable Nigeria to lead Africa in leveraging green technology for growth, jobs, and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, , a Sustainability expert, Dr Krakrafaa Bestman, noted that millions of Nigerians still lacked reliable electricity, despite the fact that the nation is richly blessed with solar, wind, hydro, and human capital resources.
He maintained that these endowments presented vast opportunities to bridge the energy gap and stimulate sustainable development.
Outlining Nigeria’s energy transition targets, the expert spoke on plans to generate 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and deploy 5GW of solar capacity, particularly the ongoing initiatives such as the Nigerian Electrification Project and community-based mini-grids designed to expand access, especially in rural areas.
Bestman further underscored the importance of adopting circular economy practices, including recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, as a means of reducing pollution while creating new economic opportunities.
For the transition initiatives to succeed, he identified three priorities, namely reforms to attract investment and incentivise renewable energy adoption; greater business commitment to clean energy sourcing and community partnerships; and innovations that deliver safe, affordable, and locally adaptable technologies.
The expert, however, cautioned against the risks associated with renewable energy systems, such as battery hazards and poorly installed solar panels, stressing the need for strict safety standards and comprehensive lifecycle management.
He said: “Green technologies must not only drive businesses but also protect the future. The world is waiting for Nigeria’s leadership in building a resilient and sustainable energy system.”
