The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA has underscored the importance of strategic partnerships as a critical driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation, urging stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and the technology ecosystem to work together in harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable economic growth and national development.
The Agency made the call at the 20th edition of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State, where it stressed that collaboration is essential to translating technological innovation into practical solutions that improve governance, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital future will be shaped by sustained investments in innovation, digital skills development, research and strategic partnerships capable of delivering measurable socio-economic impact.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that advance digital literacy, research and development, emerging technologies, cyber sovereignty and innovation-driven ecosystems, all aimed at accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, the Agency is also expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and technology startups through platforms that encourage collaboration and investment across the digital ecosystem.
“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.
Inuwa urged participants, particularly innovators and startup founders, to take advantage of the forthcoming Builders Summit to showcase indigenous solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development priorities.
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, while declaring the conference open, described digital technology as an indispensable tool for modern governance and economic development, saying his administration has leveraged digital solutions to improve public service delivery, enhance internally generated revenue and modernise government processes.
The governor said technology would also play a decisive role in transforming agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference produce practical outcomes that will benefit the country.
Earlier, President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, FNCS, said the conference was designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators and industry leaders on strategies for deploying emerging technologies to drive national development.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” Aliyu identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as key technologies shaping the future of global economies.
He stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a unique opportunity to build a globally competitive economy, provided investments in innovation, digital infrastructure and skills development remain a national priority.
The conference attracted government officials, regulators, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private-sector leaders to deliberate on policies and innovations expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive economic renaissance.
