The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed that strategic partnerships will remain central to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, saying stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and the innovation ecosystem is critical to accelerating technological innovation, expanding digital inclusion and driving sustainable economic growth.
The commitment was reiterated by Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership, during the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) held at Crispan Hotel, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.
Addressing technology leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders at the conference organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr Onumo said Nigeria’s digital ambitions can only be realised through coordinated partnerships that harness the strengths of public institutions, academia, private enterprise and innovators.
“Collaboration is a vital enabler of sustainable digital development,” he said. “Stronger partnerships among government, academia, industry and the innovation ecosystem are essential to unlocking innovation, expanding opportunities and accelerating inclusive economic growth.”
“Collaboration is a vital enabler of sustainable digital development,” he said. “Stronger partnerships among government, academia, industry and the innovation ecosystem are essential to unlocking innovation, expanding opportunities and accelerating inclusive economic growth.”
Partnerships seen as catalyst for digital economy growth
According to NITDA, no single institution can deliver Nigeria’s digital transformation alone, making partnerships an indispensable component of the country’s strategy to build a globally competitive digital economy.
Abdullahi said collaboration enables stakeholders to pool expertise, share resources, stimulate research and accelerate the development and deployment of innovative digital solutions capable of addressing national development challenges.
He noted that strengthening partnerships aligns with the Federal Government’s broader ambition of using technology as a driver of economic diversification, job creation and improved public service delivery.
The agency said it will continue working closely with ministries, government agencies, universities, research institutions, technology companies, startups and development partners to create an enabling environment for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Abdullahi said the agency’s partnership strategy is closely aligned with the implementation of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which identifies digital literacy, research and development, emerging technologies, cybersecurity and innovation as strategic pillars for building Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, NITDA will continue investing in these priority areas to equip Nigerians with the digital skills required to compete in the global digital economy while strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
He said sustained collaboration would accelerate research commercialisation, encourage indigenous technology development and support the growth of technology-driven enterprises capable of creating jobs and attracting investment.
“Nigeria’s digital transformation depends not only on technology but also on building strong partnerships that connect knowledge, innovation and investment,” he said.
Digital Nigeria 2026 to deepen collaboration
He also highlighted the forthcoming Digital Nigeria Conference 2026, describing it as the country’s flagship technology event designed to strengthen collaboration across the digital ecosystem.
According to him, the annual conference will convene policymakers, innovators, startups, researchers, investors, technology companies and development partners to explore emerging technologies, exchange ideas and develop practical digital solutions to national challenges.
He urged startups and young innovators to leverage opportunities provided through the conference’s Builders Summit, where they can showcase locally developed technologies, engage potential investors and establish strategic business relationships.
The summit, he said, reflects NITDA’s commitment to supporting home-grown innovation capable of solving local problems while creating economic value and strengthening Nigeria’s digital competitiveness.
Congratulating the NCS for organising RISE 2026, Abdullahi reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with professional associations, academia, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
He said sustained partnerships across Nigeria’s technology ecosystem would play a significant role in strengthening digital capabilities, accelerating innovation and supporting long-term economic development.
Fostering stronger collaboration, according to the agency, will remain a strategic priority as Nigeria seeks to build a digitally inclusive economy where innovation, research, entrepreneurship and technology adoption drive national competitiveness and sustainable growth.
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