NITDA, ministry deepen partnership to drive Nigeria’s digital economy

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and improve coordination in the implementation of key technology policies.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to the headquarters of NITDA in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, said stronger collaboration between the agency and the ministry would enhance the implementation of policies aimed at growing Nigeria’s digital economy.

He described the visit as a demonstration of the ministry’s leadership and support, stressing that sustained engagement between both institutions is essential to achieving the country’s digital transformation objectives.

Inuwa recalled previous interactions between NITDA and the ministry, noting that continuous consultations had helped align the agency’s strategic plans with the ministry’s broader vision for the sector.

He identified the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy as key areas requiring continued collaboration and guidance from the ministry.

“We are awaiting the ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said.

The NITDA boss also highlighted the agency’s role in pioneering the Performance Management System (PMS), revealing that the framework had been introduced within the organisation years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.

According to him, the system has strengthened accountability by linking promotions and rewards to measurable performance while introducing consequences for underperformance.

He said the agency’s internal reform initiative, Project NEXT, had improved operational efficiency by promoting role clarity and performance-based management.

Inuwa further stated that NITDA has evolved from being primarily a regulatory institution into an organisation focused on enabling innovation, supporting startups and promoting digital inclusion.

“We are building a high-velocity organisation that is agile, innovative and inclusive,” he said, adding that the agency is encouraging creativity and innovation among its workforce.

In his remarks, Gagare said effective collaboration among agencies under the ministry was critical to delivering the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda.

“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished,” he said.

The permanent secretary explained that his visit formed part of the ministry’s engagement with its agencies to strengthen policy coordination, review progress and address operational issues requiring ministerial intervention.

He commended NITDA for its contributions to digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness and the development of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

According to him, the agency has continued to play a leading role in promoting information technology development and establishing regulatory standards that support the country’s digital transformation.

Gagare also emphasised the need for policy coherence among agencies within the ministry, noting that their responsibilities are interconnected and should complement one another.

“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need close collaboration to ensure seamless implementation,” he said.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to public service reforms, particularly the implementation of the Performance Management System, which he said promotes accountability, measurable targets and consequence management.

According to him, officers who meet or exceed their targets should be rewarded, while those who fail to deliver despite having the necessary support must be held accountable.

The meeting underscored the shared resolve of NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to strengthen institutional collaboration, drive innovation and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy through effective governance and coordinated policy implementation.