News Highlights
- NITDA and the DAWN Commission signed a five-year MoU to accelerate digital literacy, innovation, and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
- The partnership will support the implementation of NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework and contribute to Nigeria’s goal of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030.
Southwest Nigeria is set for a major boost in digital transformation following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.
The partnership, formalised in Abuja, is designed to accelerate digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and unlock economic opportunities across the six states of the Southwest region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a critical step towards harnessing human capital and fostering regional collaboration for sustainable national development.
He applauded the Southwest for its enduring tradition of cooperation, stressing that collective action remains indispensable to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation. For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” he said.
According to Inuwa, Nigeria’s most valuable asset is its people, making investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology essential for expanding economic opportunities and driving prosperity.
He noted that the partnership would promote knowledge sharing, capacity development, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to create local solutions with both national and global relevance.
The NITDA boss also highlighted the Agency’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation across the country through digital literacy programmes, innovation hubs, and technology development initiatives.
He explained that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge, underscoring the need for regions to identify and strengthen their unique competitive advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors. Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
Expressing confidence in the prospects of the collaboration, Inuwa said the partnership would accelerate the implementation of NITDA’s strategic programmes throughout the Southwest.
He revealed that both organisations had already begun working together before the formal signing of the agreement and urged stakeholders to build greater momentum moving forward.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, described digital literacy as a critical enabler for future opportunities and meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Oyeleye noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, views the partnership as a strategic platform for advancing Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
He referenced Nigeria’s ambition to equip 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, emphasising the pivotal role of the Southwest in achieving that target.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
According to him, the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
He added that the DAWN Commission would leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the six Southwest states to bridge federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year lifespan of the agreement, stressing that the true value of development institutions lies not in the agreements they sign but in the impact they create.
The MoU underscores the shared determination of both organisations to expand digital literacy, deepen innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further strengthening the country’s journey towards an inclusive and resilient digital economy.
