NITDA Stresses Safe Data Use for a Strong Digital Economy

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Monday stressed the importance of the safe and responsible use of data to build a strong digital ecosystem.

The Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, made this known at the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, organised by NITDA’s subsidiary, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), in Abuja.

The event showcased the talent of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, reflecting NITDA’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital community and empowering future tech leaders.

Represented by Mr Oladejo Olawumi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Inuwa stressed the importance of data sovereignty in securing Nigeria’s digital future. He noted that prioritising data security and privacy would help build a sustainable digital ecosystem that benefits individuals and businesses alike.

“This aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy,” he said.

“Data is now the currency of the digital economy, driving innovation and progress across all sectors. Having home-grown solutions is critical to maintaining digital sovereignty.”

Inuwa encouraged participants to leverage the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to promote their innovations, in line with SRAP 2.0. He explained that the Act provides funding opportunities for startups to develop ideas, connect with investors, and commercialise their innovations.

He further revealed NITDA’s plans to establish Innovation Nests by 2025 in nine states across the country. These hubs are designed to inspire creativity and innovation, providing workspaces, leisure areas, and networking opportunities for startups and investors.

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Inuwa urged the contestants to seize the opportunities provided by the challenge, reiterating that Nigeria possesses immense talent and NITDA remains committed to nurturing and celebrating these talents.

Earlier, Ms Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of ONDI, highlighted the event’s aim to showcase groundbreaking ideas and encourage collaboration within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. She noted that the challenge aligns with SRAP’s goals and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s blueprint pillars: Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.

The competition began with 1,500 participants across all 36 states and the FCT, narrowing down to six finalists competing in Abuja. Team Inframappers, a team of young innovators from Kaduna State comprising Lukman Abdulharim, Bello Abdullahi, and Muhammad Alaamin, emerged as the winners, receiving a N5 million prize. Representatives from Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Edo, and Lagos States each received N1 million.

Commending the federal government’s efforts, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, underscored the vital role of data in solving national challenges. He pointed out that data, as a reusable and inexhaustible resource, is the backbone of the digital economy.

“Data can drive significant change across sectors such as healthcare, security, education, and agriculture,” Nwozor said.

“For instance, during the pandemic, Nigeria’s National Centre for Disease Control utilised its COVID-19 microsite to provide updates, testing locations, and vaccination progress, demonstrating the transformative power of data.”

Nwozor concluded by calling for increased education and collaboration to unlock the full potential of the digital ecosystem.

NAN/ CHIDIMMA Gold