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In a decisive move toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are serving as Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative champions to double their efforts in training and sensitising Nigerians on the transformative potential of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The gathering, which is one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on grassroots engagement, and seeks to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge, empowering individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.
In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “you are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”
While reminding the champions of their critical role in actualising NITDA’s ambition to achieve short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and 95% by 2030, Inuwa emphasised that the goal inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.
He added that the DL4ALL initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.
Inuwa emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting “this programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”
“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.
He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.
The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.
As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities are to impart knowledge, sensitise communities about the benefits of digital skills in everyday life, including financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.
The Digital Literacy for All initiative is a movement that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. It brings together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working towards the shared goal of fostering digital inclusion.
As part of the initiative, champions received intensive training to prepare them for the field. This training includes hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.
As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at integrating Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) with the country’s burgeoning digital and innovation ecosystems.
The Director-General of NCAC, Mr. Obi Asika, and his team met with the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, alongside his senior leadership team, at NITDA headquarters in Abuja to establish a collaborative framework. This strategic alliance seeks to harness the strengths of both agencies to drive growth, innovation, and digital transformation across Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.
Key Focus Areas of the Partnership:
- ICE Capacity-Building Program:
NCAC’s flagship programme, ICE (Innovate, Create, Empower), is designed to upskill participants in the cultural and creative industries. With NITDA’s support, ICE will expand to 1,000 locations nationwide, targeting the training of 2 million Nigerians by 2027. NITDA will provide training facilities and digital labs to enhance the programme’s impact.
- Digital Platforms:
NCAC, in collaboration with private sector partners, is developing digital platforms for cultural inventory, fan engagement, influencer marketing, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), e-commerce, and capacity building. NITDA will provide support through local distribution networks and cloud services to strengthen these platforms.
- Infrastructure Development:
NCAC formally requested NITDA’s assistance in equipping its headquarters and zonal offices with computers, tablets, consumables, digital labs, and podcast studios to achieve full digital transformation.
- Collaboration on Major Events:
NCAC will mobilise its creative and cultural communities to participate in NITDA’s initiatives, including the highly anticipated GITEX Nigeria 2025.
- BuyNigeria.ng Project:
Both agencies have agreed to pilot BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform designed to bring Nigerian markets online. The initial phase will focus on markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, fostering greater visibility and accessibility for traders and artisans while aligning with NCAC’s vision of enhancing productivity in the cultural and creative sectors.
- Joint Committee:
A joint committee comprising directors from both NCAC and NITDA has been established to drive the partnership forward and ensure seamless implementation of shared initiatives.
- Nigeria’s Got Talent:
NCAC’s Nigeria’s Got Talent platform will integrate NITDA’s digital literacy programs and gamified learning systems, creating opportunities for creatives to thrive in a digitally empowered environment.
This partnership marks a significant step toward integrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital innovation, unlocking limitless potential for the nation’s creative and digital economies
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. The Code which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platforms efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines. The highlight of the overall statistics across all the platforms includes the following:
- Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three (4,125,283) registered complaints.
- Sixty-five million, eight hundred and fifty-three thousand, five hundred and eighty-one (65,853,581) content takedown.
- Three hundred and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and thirty-three (379,433) removed and re-uploaded content following an appeal by users.
- Twelve million, ninety-nine thousand, six hundred and thirty-three (12,099,633) closed and deactivated accounts.
NITDA acknowledges the positive impact of these efforts by the platforms’ in fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerians and non-Nigerians in Nigeria. `
Furthermore, data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024. This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.
While commending the progress made, NITDA emphasises the need for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space. The agency remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen and enhance user safety measures, digital literacy, trust and transparency.
The Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said that there is nothing in the four tax bills currently before the National Assembly which threatens the existence of any government agency or the jobs of individuals.
Adedeji gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the chief executive officers of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The statement comes amid fears being expressed that the proposed change of the name of FIRS to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will lead to the tax agency subsuming a number of federal agencies.
“I want to assure you that there is nothing in the bills that will reduce your funding, effectiveness or efficiency.
“The main objective is to enhance tax efficiency, ease compliance levels,” Adedeji said.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have partnered to advance the digital literacy curriculum in Nigeria.
This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to equip Nigerian students with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa during a media interview at the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), articulated the critical mandate given to the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, emphasising the importance of deepening Nigeria’s digital literacy.
Inuwa noted that “there is no way we can achieve the mandate without partnering with the Ministry of Education. This partnership is essential as it aligns with the goals of the Federal Government, which seeks to equip citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”
He said that both entities are united in their commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital journey, recognising that sustainable progress can only be achieved through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for digital transformation.
The NITDA boss noted that while technology plays a key role in improving lives, it is ultimately people who enhance technology.
“The people component of technology is skills and talent. It is important to upskill Nigeria’s workforce, ensuring that citizens are not only consumers of digital technology but also proficient in creating and utilising these technologies effectively”, he noted.
Additionally, Inuwa mentioned that the digital literacy curriculum aligns seamlessly with the Digital Literacy Pillar which is one of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which aims to achieve a target of 70 per cent digital literacy by 2025 and 95 per cent by 2030.
To realise these ambitious targets, NITDA has established a framework that emphasises the integration of digital literacy into the formal education system which is known as the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF).
According to the NITDA DG, the digital literacy framework is expected to be embedded within the formal education framework, providing students with essential skills that will prepare them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
He assured that the developed curriculum is expected to be reviewed and approved at the Council, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a digitally literate Nigeria. Hence, Nigeria can cultivate a generation of tech-savvy individuals who can contribute to the country’s digital economy and leverage technology for national development.
While recognising the importance of skills development, Inuwa added that NITDA has also committed to upscaling training processes for citizens. This approach according to him aims to foster digital fluency among the populace, enabling them to navigate and utilize digital tools and services effectively.
He also highlighted that the focus on human capital development is vital for positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. “By prioritising the training of citizens in digital literacy and related skills, the country can harness the full potential of its human resources.”
To achieve these goals, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy are fostering collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, private sector players, and international partners.
These partnerships provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to new markets, ultimately enriching Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Inuwa’s assertion that “technology makes our lives better, but people also make technology better” reflects a holistic approach to digital transformation.
The NITDA Director-General affirmed that as Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, the alignment of NITDA’s initiatives with the goals set forth by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy is crucial.
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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria and the implementing organisation Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has moved to boost Citizen Engagement through digital policy dialogue.
Indications to this development emerged during a two-day event titled “Digital Policy Dialogue: Cooperate. Innovate” aimed at engaging stakeholders on the Participatory Policy Implementation Framework (PPIF) to foster inclusivity between the government and citizens of Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, noted that the framework focuses on involving citizens in policy development and implementation, thereby promoting ownership and accountability.
The DG said, “Today marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to reimagine the position of NITDA in the Nigerian tech ecosystem. Five years ago, NITDA faced a significant trust deficit with the tech community due to top-down policy impositions. To address this, NITDA shifted to a collaborative approach, emphasising co-design and co-creation.”
Inuwa expressed gratitude to GIZ for their support, which began with the Nigerian Startup Act created through a collaborative process. Following this success, GIZ and DTC assisted in developing the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) through a similar participatory process. The initiative, according to him, has seen significant citizen engagement, with the creative sector recently volunteering to champion digital literacy in Nigeria.
He further said that, NITDA is collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train citizens across 774 local governments and the Ministry of Education to integrate digital skills into the national curriculum by next year, which is an effort towards achieving the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy’s long-term target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 and midterm target of 70 per cent by 2027.
Inuwa highlighted that the engagement aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) which has one of its eight pillars as “Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Framework.
“To ensure sustainability, GIZ and DTC are formalising a participatory policy implementation framework that can be adapted beyond the digital sector, benefiting areas such as education, agriculture, and healthcare,” he added.
He applauded all stakeholders for their past contributions and urged for continued collaboration to solidify the legal framework policy implementation in Nigeria.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Engineer Faruk Yusuf Yabo expanded on the expectations of the PPIF in his keynote address.
He said, “The proposed framework introduces several key initiatives: establishing multi-channel stakeholder engagement, promoting collaborative decision-making through digital platforms, ensuring transparency and accountability, investing in capacity building, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.”
Furthermore, he stressed that the approach is designed to foster a participatory policy-making process and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are equitably distributed.
He disclosed that the initiative is supported by partners including the European Union and the German government, which marks the beginning of a commitment to inclusivity and transparency in Nigeria’s digital policy development.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Coordinator, Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC) GIZ, Nigeria Dr. Markus Wauschkuhn welcomed the participants to the public presentation of the draft Participatory Policy Implementation Framework (PPIF) for the ICT and digital economy sectors.
Wauschkuhn pointed out the vital contributions of NITDA, GIZ, and all stakeholders involved in creating the PPIF, noting the importance of a participatory policy-making process that includes diverse voices from individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions. He accentuated that the approach aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in governance while addressing the rapid advancements in the digital age.
In her opening statement, Dr. Thwueba Dwani, Head of Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria, stated that involving stakeholders in policy implementation enhances sustainability and relevance, as evidenced by numerous studies. She introduced the Participatory Policy Implementation Framework (PPIF) as a crucial tool for Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and participatory formats.
Other agencies represented at the event were the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), the Civil Society Organisation, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders.
…in collaboration with GetBundi
In its bid to propel Nigeria towards achieving a 70 per cent digital literacy level by 2027, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with GetBundi Education Technology, is embarking on the training of selected National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as well as 5,000 Nigerian youths from the creative industry as Digital Literacy Champions.
The training will also include selected individuals in the informal sector from 12 states in Nigeria under the pilot phase that is designed to last till December 2024 before a nationwide deployment.
The selected youths will undergo a comprehensive two-week digital literacy training programme and will thereafter receive a 10-week online training in either Graphics, Video Editing, or Digital Marketing that will equip them with valuable skills for their professional development and make them employable as well enlisted in the digital job portal. They will also be onboarded as Digital Literacy Champions and become NITDA ambassadors, training and sharing their knowledge with peers, community, family, and friends.
The DL4ALL initiative aims at training a critical mass of Nigerians in the informal sector in foundational digital literacy skills to equip them with the necessary tools to access and utilise online resources for education, employment, and financial services safely; protect themselves online from cyber threats and misinformation; communicate and collaborate effectively using digital tools; and develop the digital fluency required for many in-demand jobs.
To achieve this, NITDA is collaborating with GetBundi Education Technology, an edtech platform that is poised to equip Africans with digital skills relevant for the 21st-century digital economy. Already, GetBundi has developed a digital literacy framework for Africa as well as an implementation model which necessitated a collaborative MoU signed between NITDA and GetBundi.
NITDA’s DL4ALL initiative seeks to deliver six core competency areas which include Devices and Software Operation, Information & Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Safety and Problem Solving. These areas will provide a foundational understanding of essential digital literacy required in today’s technology-driven world.
According to NITDA, this initiative will be implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach that will leverage the expertise from reach of a diverse group of actors from across the Nigerian landscape.
As part of the collaboration, GetBundi will use its digital literacy framework to create learning videos and infographics in the six competency areas of the DL4ALL in English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo by 31st December 2024. The pilot phase, which is July to December 2024, will be based in English language only and will be launched in 12 states. The digital literacy videos will be available on the NITDA DL4ALL portal and GetBundi portal, while the learning videos on Graphics, Video Editing and Digital Marketing will be available on GetBundi platform.
Speaking at the meet-and-greet with members of the creative industry in Lagos on Friday, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Planning & Strategy, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said the Federal Government acknowledged the contribution of the creative industry to overall economic growth and is willing to support the sector by empowering the members with digital skills to improve on their content delivery and gain more visibility.
He further restated the importance of digital literacy in the rapidly evolving digital age.
“It serves as the foundation upon which creativity and innovation are built, enabling individuals to not only adapt to but also shape the future,” the NITDA DG said.
He said the programme “is a testament to Government’s commitment to ensuring that every member of the creative industry has the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in this dynamic digital landscape”.
He further said the creative industry has always been a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural and economic fabric, “driving growth, fostering innovation, and enriching our lives with its boundless creativity and by equipping creatives with digital skills, we are unlocking new opportunities for expression, collaboration, and business growth”.
“We are paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future where digital literacy is a cornerstone of success,” he said.
In his response, the Founder of GetBundi Education Technology, Osita Oparaugo, described digital literacy as the cornerstone of successful digital transformation in governance and society.
“Without digital literacy, the true potential of digital transformation remains untapped, leaving individuals and communities at a disadvantage,” Oparaugo said.
He thanked the Director General of NITDA “for recognizing the importance of competency and capacity building in digital skills through our collaborative efforts”.
“Special thanks to the dedicated NITDA team, Tripod Consulting and other external partners involved in this pilot phase. Together, we are actively shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape,” the GetBundi Founder said.
“To Nigerian youths, NYSC members, creative industry professionals, and individuals in the 12 selected states for the pilot phase, this is your chance to engage in knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. Let’s work together towards fostering a brighter digital future for all,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the creative industry, renowned filmmaker, Teco Benson (MFR), emphasized the long-overdue importance of equipping industry players and newcomers in Nigeria with the right skill sets.
“I can assure you that this initiative will renew trust between the creative industry and the government. No one can carry the digital literacy program than us,” Benson said.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I say thank you to GetBundi founder for leading the DL4ALL initiative,” he said.