NITDA unveils ‘Nija Chat’ App to boost economy

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has unveiled ‘NIJA Chat’, a messaging, gaming, and lifestyle app that will help build public digital infrastructure and boost the nation’s economy.

Inuwa, who made this known after unveiling the Nija Chat Application by iCELL in Abuja, said it is a clarion call to all Nigerians, both home and the diaspora to embrace the technology to encourage more of such innovative ideas to emerge from the country.

According to the Director-General, the journey which started six months ago when the iCELL team solicited NITDA’s support to build the application was one that the Agency was pleased to be a part of.

“NITDA worked hand-in-hand with them to refine and accelerate the thoughts, as well as offer technical support to build this app.

“This is a futuristic app because frontier applications are increasingly being promoted in the world today. So, you can personalise your experience and have everything done in this particular app, rather than hop from one app to another just to do the same thing,” the DG affirmed.

The NITDA Boss joined the team to test the workability of the app by making some local and international audio and video calls on the messaging app, and afterwards averred that it was indeed a fantastic experience.

Inuwa attributed the achievement to Nigeria’s young and talented population. He stated that with the right environment, which the government is constantly working to create, the amazing potential of the nation’s digital natives can be harnessed. He also expressed his belief that the ‘Digital Nigeria’ goal can be achieved sooner rather than later.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated our Ministry to accelerate Nigeria’s economic diversification by enhancing productivity in critical sectors, and with apps like this one, it will pretty much help in that direction.

“Our SMEs can use this application to promote their products and services, communicate with customers and suppliers,” Inuwa said.

The DG-NITDA, @KashifuInuwa, today unveiled and expressed joy over the latest invention of NIJA Chat by iCELL, which he said will help build Nigeria’s public digital infrastructure and boost the nation’s economy.

Inuwa, who made this known after unveiling the Nija Chat… pic.twitter.com/aK9UyeSG23

— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) November 22, 2023

The app launch is set for January 1, 2024. The DG suggested improvements and hopes to add a payment wallet next.

“When the payment wallet is brought onboard, anyone can receive and send money easily, and this will help promote the cashless transactions, which is ultimately the future we are building.

“We will continue to urge our startups to take up on innovative ventures like this, in order to enhance the quality of life for our citizens and make connections seamless,” Inuwa stated.

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Abbey Abbey, CTO of iCELL, introduced Nija Chat as a revolutionary platform that will redefine digital connections and possibilities. It’s not just a messaging, gaming, and lifestyle app but a testament to cutting-edge technology.

“This is not just about lifestyle, it also aligns with the dynamic spirits of our users, bringing you an experience like no other, especially as the platform offers a secure, vast, and intuitive interphase, ensuring that your connections are as vibrant as possible.

“Today, we are not just unveiling an app, we are actually unleashing a new revolution as it is not just connecting people but creating a digital ecosystem that adapts to your business, evolves with your preferences and also grows with your aspirations,” Abbey said.