Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has said that the agency in the next decade is prepared to act as an institutional catalyst to actualise the dream of every Nigerian to build a Nation where peace, prosperity and justice shall reign..
He stated this at the “NITDA@20 Anniversary Lecture and Launch of the SRAP (2021-2024)” held on Thursday, 29th April 2021, in Abuja.
The DG explained that the foundation of this goal is been laid by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration,championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who he said has a laser-focused vision of digitalising Nigeria.
According to him, “This vision has been well articulated by the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
“NDEPS is an overarching policy vision that needs strategic action by all relevant stakeholders to become a reality.
“NITDA, no doubt, is pivotal to the implementation of the NDEPS.
“It is for this purpose that the Agency has initiated a thorough strategy drafting process as introduced by my predecessor Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
“This process was carried out in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders by identifying gaps and opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy aspiration.
“Critical government policies and documents such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship policy, National Broadband Action Plan, Cybersecurity Policy, amongst others, were consulted to have strategy coherence.
“This process was culminated in the NITDA Strategic Roadmap Plan and Action Plan (SRAP)”.
Giving more insight on their plan and objectives for next decade, Mallam Abdullahi, said they intend to articulate a new strategy for NITDA in accordance with the current aspirations of the Government, with the realities of today and the demands of the future.
He further explained that the agency will contribute its quota towards the implementation of NDEPS, especially within the framework of its mandate; and implement programs that would facilitate the digital transformation of Nigeria.
Speaking on the agency’s achievements in the last 20 years, the DG said that NITDA has made a difference and touched the lives of more than 2.5 million Nigerians.
“Our impact is visible across the country, and this can be attested to by the outcomes.
“Just recently, our sector, the ICT sector bailed Nigeria out of a covid-induced recession that was predicted to crush the Nigerian spirit.
“We have attracted more foreign investments into the digital economy sector than any developing country globally.
“Our developmental regulations have created new economic industry such as business process outsourcing, data protection and a robust software industry”.
The DG, however, stressed that despite the modest achievements recorded by the Agency, they are not oblivious of the multi-dimensional challenges confronting our country.
“We believe there is a silver lining for innovation to create prosperity for all.
“We have an excellent opportunity to leapfrog into the future through the 4th industrial revolution.
“We are blessed with the most prominent black diaspora, resilient and resourceful youths, solid and diverse culture, abundant natural resources etc”.
