NITDA Launches IHatch Programme to Create 7,400 Jobs

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that its Idea Hatch (iHatch) programme is set to generate 7,400 direct and indirect jobs by training Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub managers nationwide.

The Director General of NITDA, @KashifuInuwa, engaged hub managers at the iHatch Upskilling Programme, organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with NITDA, to drive innovation across 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, in order to realise… pic.twitter.com/EgZAKy2AdH

— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) March 14, 2025

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a one-week training programme for hub managers from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Friday.

NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, outlined the agency’s efforts to drive economic growth through innovation and startup hubs.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on economic diversification.

The training focused on empowering hub managers to create innovation ecosystems in their states.

Upon returning to their respective locations, these managers are expected to train five startups each, with projections indicating that this will result in 740 direct jobs and 7,400 indirect jobs.

These efforts aim to foster state-level innovation and leverage technology to address local challenges.

Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), emphasised the programme’s role in bridging the digital divide and addressing national priorities such as agriculture, trade, healthcare, and education through innovative solutions.

ONDI also highlighted efforts to promote female participation in the startup ecosystem.

Lucy Mmadu, Managing Partner at Co-Creation Hub (CC Hub), a key programme partner, stressed the importance of democratising access to innovation, resources, and skills to build thriving ecosystems across the country.

Participants, including Mrs. Chinyere Otuonye of Sparks Ventures Hub, Enugu, and Ms. Aida Isah, Hub Manager for Startup Kano, praised the programme for its practical training and tools, which they plan to implement in their local ecosystems for greater impact.

The iHatch programme, a collaboration between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continues its mission to empower Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

The latest training marked the fourth cohort in the series.

NAN