The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to fast-track Nigeria’s digital transformation and ensure stronger policy alignment across the sector.
Inuwa made this known during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to NITDA headquarters, where he described the engagement as a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s leadership and support for advancing the nation’s digital economy agenda.
He noted that sustained collaboration between both institutions remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
Reflecting on previous engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which NITDA presented its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives, Inuwa said continuous dialogue had strengthened institutional alignment.
He identified the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework as key areas requiring continued collaboration.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said.
The NITDA chief stressed the importance of clearly defined institutional roles and mutual respect in fostering operational efficiency and enhancing inter-agency cooperation.
Inuwa also disclosed that NITDA pioneered the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) several years before its eventual adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he said, adding that internal initiatives such as Project NEXT had improved accountability, clarified roles, and strengthened measurable performance outcomes within the agency.
He explained that performance-based rewards and consequences have become central to NITDA’s institutional culture.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
Highlighting NITDA’s institutional evolution, Inuwa said the agency had transformed from a traditional regulatory body into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.
“We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he said.
In his remarks, Gagare reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with agencies under its supervision, describing partnership as essential to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he said.
According to him, the visit forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen policy coordination, assess institutional progress, and address operational challenges requiring strategic intervention.
Gagare commended NITDA’s management and staff for their contributions to Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, particularly in promoting digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and creating opportunities for startups and young innovators.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the need for policy coherence among agencies within the Ministry, noting that their mandates are interconnected and must be implemented seamlessly.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said, while assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and support.
He further highlighted ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, particularly the adoption of the Performance Management System, which he said promotes accountability, clear target-setting, and measurable performance outcomes.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he noted.
The visit underscores growing collaboration among African nations in digital policy development and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading reference point for startup ecosystem development across the continent.
