By Stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital space are reviewing the implementation of the strategic roadmap and action plan, known as STRAP 2, a document designed to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders during the SRAP 2.0 Stakeholders’ Engagement at Lagos Business School, Lagos State, the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, stated that the strategic roadmap and action plan were developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and collaborative engagements, rather than as an internal document produced without external input.
According to him, stakeholders, including members of Lagos Business School, actively participated in developing the document, making their continued involvement in reviewing its implementation necessary.
Inuwa noted that impact of the agency’s initiatives could be deepened through stronger partnerships, adding that inclusive stakeholder participation was essential to delivering sustainable results in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
The NITDA, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties Directorate, Dr Aristotle Onumo reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships and stakeholder collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, calling for renewed commitment to the implementation of its strategic roadmap and action plan.
He commended the leadership of Lagos Business School for sustaining the partnership with the agency, noting that collaboration and collective intelligence remained critical to achieving meaningful progress in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
He noted that stakeholders, including members of Lagos Business School, actively participated in developing the document, making their continued involvement in reviewing its implementation necessary.
The DG explained that the engagement provided an opportunity to assess progress, determine whether existing priorities remained relevant, identify areas requiring modification and establish whether the initiatives were delivering their intended impact.
He emphasised that the review was also necessary to evaluate progress against commitments made to stakeholders and ensure that the agency’s programmes continued to respond to the evolving needs of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The NITDA DG also acknowledged the contributions of colleagues at the agency, highlighting its gradual transition towards becoming an ecosystem platform for digital innovation.
He observed that the agency’s approach was increasingly embracing co-creation and collaboration, moving beyond the traditional model of issuing regulations, directives and guidelines to working with stakeholders in developing and delivering digital solutions.
According to him, this approach was essential to building an enabling environment where innovation could thrive and digital initiatives could achieve broader societal and economic impact.
Inuwa further noted that the agency had spent the past three years advancing the transition and was approaching the final phase of the process. He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment and sustain the momentum required to achieve the desired outcomes.
Reaffirming the agency’s vision, he said the goal remained to make Nigeria a digitally enabled nation, fostering inclusive economic development through technological innovation.
He explained that the eight strategic pillars underpinning the roadmap remained central to achieving this vision and would continue to guide the agency’s priorities and interventions.
The DG urged stakeholders to critically assess progress across these areas, particularly in digital skills development, regulatory effectiveness, digital infrastructure and services, entrepreneurship, innovation and the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
He also highlighted the importance of examining progress in implementing the Startup Act and assessing its contribution to strengthening the startup community and promoting innovation-driven enterprise development.
On stakeholder engagement, he stressed the need to ensure that relevant players across the digital ecosystem were carried along, noting that effective collaboration remained essential to achieving the objectives of the national digital agenda.
He expressed confidence that sustained partnerships, collective commitment and constructive contributions from stakeholders would help the agency address emerging challenges, strengthen implementation and advance Nigeria’s digital development goals.
Inuwa concluded by urging stakeholders to embrace the partnership approach and work collectively towards building a digitally enabled Nigeria that could serve as a catalyst for digital transformation across Africa.
