Nigeria’s Commitment to Digital Governance in Africa
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation and innovation in digital governance across Africa. He emphasized that research, collaboration, and digital literacy are essential for achieving inclusive national development.
Inuwa made these remarks on Wednesday following the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025), which took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion,” marked the first time the global event was hosted in West Africa.
A Milestone for Nigeria
Inuwa described Nigeria’s hosting of ICEGOV 2025 as a “remarkable milestone” in the country’s journey toward digital leadership. He noted that this initiative reflects the vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who has been instrumental in driving research-led digital transformation.
“Tonight marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to making Nigeria a leader in digital governance,” Inuwa said. “Our participation in previous ICEGOV events inspired us to take on the challenge of hosting the 2025 edition, the first ever in West Africa.”
He added that Dr Tijani’s insistence on stronger participation in research and capacity building was a turning point for Nigeria’s engagement with ICEGOV. “The Honourable Minister said he wants us to host workshops at ICEGOV 2024 because he believes that if we truly want to build a sustainable digital economy, we must invest heavily in deep research, especially in deep tech,” he said.
Alignment with National Vision
Inuwa explained that Nigeria’s growing participation in global digital governance aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through digitalization, industrialization, and innovation.
He also highlighted that the conference’s theme mirrors the Ministry’s strategic vision of Accelerating the Nation’s Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency, anchored on five pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Trade, and Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital.
NITDA’s Digital Transformation Initiatives
According to Inuwa, NITDA’s digital transformation initiatives are focused on enhancing literacy, strengthening governance processes, and ensuring inclusivity. These include the National Digital Literacy Framework, designed to equip every Nigerian with digital skills from early education to adulthood.
NITDA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula by next year. The Agency has also partnered with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to train public servants, with over 24,000 already enrolled.
Additionally, NITDA is extending its literacy campaigns to market traders, transport workers, senior citizens, and faith-based groups. “Digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about improving how we serve our citizens,” he said. “Governance must meet citizens where they are, online. Our goal is to build trust, efficiency, and better service experiences.”
Call for Regional Collaboration
Inuwa called for stronger regional collaboration, noting that Africa’s digital future depends on collective effort. “Our goal is to build the capacity, infrastructure, and right policies for Africa’s digital self-determination,” he said. “ICEGOV gives us the platform to learn, share, and shape that future together.”
Since its inception in 2007, ICEGOV has served as a global forum for academia, governments, and private sector leaders to share knowledge and explore the latest innovations in e-governance, sustainable development, and digital inclusion.