By The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa believes that Nigeria needs for stronger data protection laws, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and AI governance strategies that promote responsible technology deployment.
According to him, no digital economy can thrive without adaptive policies stressing that the importance of regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides a structured approach to nurturing innovation.
Inuwa who spoke at the The Omniverse Summit 2025 called for strengthened industry collaboration to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, emphasising innovation and policy as key enablers of sustainable growth.
He stated Inuwa that beyond fintech, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shaping critical sectors like governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
The NITDA boss who was represented by Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo said Nigeria has the potential to become a global digital powerhouse through coordinated efforts among stakeholders.
He said NITDA is committed to fostering innovation through investments in research and development, talent cultivation, and startup support systems to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy.
He highlighted NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which anchors its policies on dynamism, intelligence, and awareness, ensuring a regulatory environment that protects consumers while enabling businesses to scale.
According to him, strengthening industry-academic linkages will further bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications, ensuring a digitally skilled workforce.
He added that, Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents significant opportunities to position the country as a regional hub for digital trade and services-through harmonising digital trade policies and leveraging strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock new markets and attract more foreign investments.
The DG reiterated that Nigeria’s digital transformation requires bold decisions, innovative thinking, and strategic alliances, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that digital transformation is not just a vision but a reality driving sustainable economic development.
“As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration’. Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business, and every sector,” he stated.
