The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital literacy, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
The collaboration was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, with both organisations committing to deepen digital inclusion and strengthen the region’s capacity to participate in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a significant milestone in leveraging human capital and regional collaboration to promote sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest for its longstanding tradition of cooperation among its states, noting that collaborative efforts remain critical to unlocking Nigeria’s development potential.
“The Southwest continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration. No individual or region succeeds in isolation, and there are important lessons other parts of the country can draw from this model. For Nigeria to achieve meaningful growth, we must understand and build on the unique strengths that exist across our states and regions,” Inuwa said.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, making investment in digital skills, innovation and technology essential for creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities. He noted that the partnership would promote knowledge sharing, capacity building and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop solutions with both local relevance and global impact.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation nationwide through digital literacy programmes, support for innovation hubs and technology development initiatives. He stressed that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure and enabling policies converge, underscoring the need for regions to identify and strengthen their competitive advantages.
“Lagos has firmly established itself as Nigeria’s fintech capital and commercial hub, while Abuja is emerging as a centre for GovTech innovation. Other regions can build specialised ecosystems around sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and commerce. Every region possesses strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he said.
The NITDA Director-General expressed confidence that the partnership would accelerate the implementation of the agency’s strategic programmes across the Southwest. He added that both organisations had already begun collaborating before the formal signing of the agreement and called for increased momentum in executing joint initiatives.
“We are excited about this partnership and eager to translate our shared vision into measurable outcomes. While our engagement predates this formal agreement, we expect to see greater progress and impact following the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, underscored the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring 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 target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 under the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest would play a critical role in achieving that objective.
“Nigeria has set an ambitious goal of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely contributing to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
According to Oyeleye, the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, throughout the region. He said the Commission would leverage its extensive network across the six Southwest states to connect federal digital initiatives with local communities, educational institutions and young people.
“We are committed to ensuring that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest enables us to bridge federal digital programmes with communities and young people who need the skills required to succeed in today’s technology-driven economy,” he stated.
Oyeleye also assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering tangible results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, emphasising that the effectiveness of development institutions should be measured by their impact rather than the number of agreements they sign.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to expanding digital literacy, strengthening innovation ecosystems and creating sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s transition to a more inclusive and competitive digital economy.
