Inuwa Seeks Governors’ Cooperation on Inclusive Digital Growth

Nigeria’s digital surge hinges on coordinated action across all levels of government. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), urged state leaders to strengthen collaboration with the federation to accelerate technology-driven growth that reaches every corner of the country. The appeal came during a high-level visit to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja, where the DG framed digital transformation as a shared national mission that requires participation from federal, state, and local authorities alike.

“Our remit extends beyond the federal lens; it must be a nationwide effort that embeds digital initiatives into subnational plans,” Inuwa said, emphasizing the need for state governments to fold NITDA’s programs into their development strategies to achieve measurable, real-world impact. As a gaming and immersive tech reporter, I see this as a chance to link public policy with grassroots tech ecosystems—where training, broadband access, and local innovation can birth the next wave of Nigerian game studios and AR/VR projects.

Reflecting on the country’s digital progress, Inuwa noted that when NITDA began, computer use was modest and ICT’s share of GDP hovered near zero. Today, digital technology contributes a sizeable portion of the economy, and the online population has grown to well over 100 million users. He credited a mix of government leadership, private sector collaboration, and development partners for moving the needle, all while maintaining a vision of a digitally empowered nation that uses technology to drive broad prosperity.

Central to this vision is NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), which rests on eight pillars designed to push Nigeria toward higher levels of digital maturity. A leading emphasis is on expanding digital literacy and nurturing homegrown talent. The plan aims to raise digital literacy to ambitious levels by 2027 and 2030, leveraging initiatives such as a nationwide tech-talent drive and a structured digital literacy framework. The goal is not only to teach code but to cultivate the kinds of digital skills that power today’s tech-enabled economies, including interactive media, game development, and immersive experiences that could emerge from diverse Nigerian communities.

Inuwa outlined ongoing collaborations with the education sector and technical institutions to weave digital skills into curricula and training programs across all tiers of schooling. He also highlighted partnerships with civil service leadership and national service programs to upskill public servants and graduates, ensuring the public sector can design, deploy, and maintain digital services that are accessible and reliable for citizens and businesses alike.

“Success in this arena comes from ecosystems rather than isolated efforts,” Inuwa remarked. He invited governors to participate in forthcoming conferences on electronic governance and digital public services, signaling a platform for subnational stakeholders to share successes, lessons, and scalable models. The idea is to align policy pilots with practical delivery at the local level, so digital tools—ranging from streamlined government portals to citizen-focused apps—can improve governance, create jobs, and broaden access to digital opportunities.

In response, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s secretary-general welcomed the focus on collaboration, underscoring that technology is a central driver of competitiveness and civic progress. He noted that subnational reforms are already taking shape through data-driven assessments of public infrastructure readiness and revenue systems, and he stressed that digital transformation remains a national priority capable of enhancing service delivery and resilience across communities.

As Nigeria navigates rapid digital change, officials stressed that coordinated action between federal and state bodies can accelerate inclusive growth, attract investment, and strengthen the social contract. The conversation touched on the broader potential for the digital economy to expand access to education, health, and creative industries, including gaming and immersive technology sectors that could empower a new generation of developers and digital creators across the country.

With digital technologies evolving at a breakneck pace, the call is clear: align policy, invest in people, and build the infrastructure and regulatory environment that turn technology into tangible benefits for all Nigerians. If implemented well, this framework could spark local game studios, AR/VR startups, and other innovative ventures that redefine entertainment, education, and public services in Nigeria.

As the dialogue continues, the shared message endures: collaborative governance, targeted skill-building, and a commitment to inclusive growth are essential to turning Nigeria’s digital aspirations into a broad-based reality that touches homes, classrooms, and workplaces across the nation.