The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, has underscored the critical role of data in driving a sustainable digital economy, particularly in Nigeria.
The industry expert, who made this remark at the just concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, harped on the need for safe and responsible data utilisation by all stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital economic landscape.
Inuwa, who was represented at the forum by the agency’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, highlighted the importance of data sovereignty in order to ensure Nigeria’s digital future.
According to him, by prioritising data security and privacy, the NITDA aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.
While stating that the event aligns with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, the Director-General said the event underscored NITDA’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.
He said: “The issue of having something home-grown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realize that Data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what is driving us now and everything is all about data.”
Speaking of the relevance of the event which speaks to pillars; Robust Technological Research Ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services of the SRAP document, Inuwa urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.
He clarified: “The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight.”
The Director-General, who restated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that indigenous digital innovation thrives, hinted that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in three pilot states with plans to expand to six more by the end of year to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.
He assured: “These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment.
“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams. Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated”, the Director-General added.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the National Coordinator of the ONDI, Ms Victoria Fabunmi, explained that the event was organised to spotlight ground-breaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
While emphasising the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she averred that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP and fulfilling the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.
“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,”
The event, which was organised by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), showcased the talent and innovation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs and further reinforced the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
