NITDA Reaffirms Commitment to Advance Cybersecurity, Data Protection in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cybersecurity and data protection in Nigeria.

The agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Abdulahi, emphasized this on Tuesday in Osogbo during a stakeholders’ engagement forum titled: “Stakeholders’ Engagement and ICT Ecosystem Development”.

The event, themed “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries Towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution,” highlighted the agency’s dedication to developing a robust IT sector that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy among citizens.

The Director General of NITDA, @KashifuInuwa, represented by Mr. Ayodeji Eniola delivered the opening speech at a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Ecosystem Development Programme in Oshogbo, Osun State. The event, organised by NITDA, was themed “Creating Opportunities, Breaking… pic.twitter.com/EQpOZiTQHG

— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) October 8, 2024

Represented by Ayodeji Eniola, a director at NITDA, Abdullahi stated that the agency aims to promote cybersecurity, ensure data protection, encourage strategic collaborations, and support collaborative governance. He urged stakeholders to join hands with the agency in formulating and implementing policies that bolster IT development, particularly at the grassroots level.

“As partners in this digital transformation journey, I call on you to invest in research and development to drive digital innovation, build capacity-building programs for Nigerians, and engage in constructive dialogues to address both challenges and opportunities,” he said.

Abdullahi reiterated that the agency’s goal is to position Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa. He noted that as the country navigates the complexities of the 21st century, technology is proving to be a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and societal transformation.

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“Our shared vision is to establish Nigeria as a top digital economy in Africa. This platform enables us to align our strategies and efforts to create programs and policies that reflect our national priorities,” he added.

The NITDA Director-General also mentioned that the agency has implemented strategic initiatives aligned with the Federal Government’s goals of enhancing service delivery and job creation to develop a vibrant IT sector that drives innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Together, we can boost economic growth, enhance governance and public services, and position Nigeria as a global digital leader,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Rita Shoremi, Head of the South-West office of NITDA, emphasized that the stakeholders’ forum is intended to promote collaboration between the agency and other stakeholders, creating a robust platform for dialogue and mutual growth.

“We are in a digital era where technology is integrated into every sector, revolutionizing how we work and live. This necessitates the creation of platforms for collaboration to advance the field of IT and maximize its benefits,” she stated.

The state Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, Maruf Ayofe, acknowledged that the world is experiencing rapid technological advancements and stressed the importance of Nigeria positioning itself to leverage the vast opportunities offered by digitalization.

“At this point in history, technology has the potential to be the great equalizer. It enables nations and individuals to overcome historical barriers, unlock new opportunities, and engage in the global economy in unprecedented ways.

“As leaders, innovators, and key players in Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem, we must seize this moment to ensure that our country not only keeps up with global trends but also sets new standards for innovation and entrepreneurial success,” he added.

In a presentation, Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Stakeholders’ Management, announced that the agency plans to train 30 million Nigerians in the formal sector on digital economy skills by 2027.

Onumo projected that approximately 70% of Nigerians would be digitally literate by that time, which would significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth.

NAN/Chidimma Gold