Digital solutions key to improving governance in Nigeria – NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised that embracing technology and digital solutions is crucial for modernising and enhancing service delivery, leading to better governance. The NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa made this statement in Abuja at the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards organised by Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) with the […]

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised that embracing technology and digital solutions is crucial for modernising and enhancing service delivery, leading to better governance.

The NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa made this statement in Abuja at the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards organised by Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) with the theme: Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Inuwa maintained that digitising government services is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth, adding that by leveraging technology, the country can implement policies and programmes more efficiently, driving progress and development: “This aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to create a digital economy that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.

While emphasising on the need for a comprehensive agenda that focuses on human capital development, digital literacy, and skills training, particularly in both formal and informal sectors, the Director General highlighted the importance of digital innovation and transformation for economic growth and empowerment.

He added that the aim is to foster strong institutions that would enhance citizens’ lives through effective governance and technological adoption in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Inuwa said, “the Agency is targeting to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 with three initiatives. The Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop digital skills curriculum and incorporate digital literacy and skills in our formal education.”

The NITDA boss asserted that the second initiative is through the informal sector like the market women, and artisans by providing them with the required knowledge about digital literacy to help them in their businesses.

He said, “We are also collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through the Digital Literacy for All initiative which has started in 12 states and will be extended to all the states targeting to train 30 million Nigerians.”

In his earlier welcome address, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, stated that digital transformation is crucial to the country’s public service and has  potential to enhance service delivery, promote citizen engagement, and foster inclusive governance.