Sub national alignment is now central to Nigeria’s digital economy strategy, according to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, who has called for deeper state level collaboration to translate federal digital policies into measurable local impact.
Speaking virtually at the South South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, Inuwa addressed policymakers, technology leaders and civil society actors gathered to define a practical roadmap for digital growth across the region.
The core message was that national frameworks can only succeed if states domesticate them with clear laws, governance structures and implementation plans.
While acknowledging progress at the federal level, he stressed that success must be measured by outcomes within states. According to him, digital transformation becomes sustainable only when sub national governments take ownership of policies and embed them into their institutions.
He referenced the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework as examples of frameworks designed to stimulate innovation and skills development.
However, he observed that although several states have created ICT ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured coordination mechanisms. NITDA, he assured, remains available to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.
Digital literacy, he emphasised, remains the foundation for inclusive growth. Nigeria is targeting 95 percent digital literacy by 2030. In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been integrated into school curricula, while teachers nationwide are undergoing structured capacity building to support technology driven learning. Inuwa encouraged South South states to ensure educators in both public and private schools participate fully in the programme so that learners are not left behind.
Beyond education, he highlighted public sector reform as another priority. Through collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, more than 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training.
Similar initiatives, he noted, are being considered for rollout across South South states to improve governance efficiency and service delivery.
On ecosystem partnerships, Inuwa cited NITDA’s collaboration with Cisco, which provides access to self paced digital courses, and engagement with the National Youth Service Corps, where corps members serve as digital champions in markets, worship centres, motor parks and community hubs. He urged regional stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and co create practical initiatives that expand digital inclusion at scale.
In his remarks, Cross River State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to technology driven development. He said broadband expansion and digital infrastructure remain central to e government services, skills development and job creation.
Despite challenges including limited rural connectivity and funding constraints, Beshel expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with NITDA and private sector partners would narrow the digital divide and strengthen cybersecurity resilience.
He maintained that coordinated action and sustained investment could position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s evolving technology landscape.
As discussions closed, stakeholders agreed that the next phase must focus on execution. The digital economy, they acknowledged, will not be built by policy documents alone but by states willing to align strategy with action and turn ambition into systems that work for citizens.
