The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive digital economy.
This was highlighted at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 held at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions focused on advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across the country.
Speaking at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies,” the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s future prosperity would depend largely on its ability to harness technology, innovation, and human capital.
He noted that the global digital economy presents enormous opportunities for Nigeria and the wider African continent to create jobs, attract investments, and boost productivity through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he said.
Dr. Inuwa stressed that AI and other digital technologies are reshaping industries worldwide and called on stakeholders to embrace innovation as a critical driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.
He also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on key areas including digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The NITDA boss underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry players, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The Expo brought together policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators to deliberate on issues relating to Artificial Intelligence, startup development, digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth.
Participants explored strategies for positioning the Niger Delta as a leading hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while addressing challenges associated with skills development, startup financing, infrastructure, and technology commercialization.
During the event, NITDA engaged technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at promoting digital inclusion and innovation-led development.
The Agency also showcased several flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
Observers at the event commended NITDA’s role in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, noting the growing impact of its interventions in supporting startups, advancing digital literacy, and strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
The Expo concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
NITDA reiterated its resolve to foster partnerships, develop digital talent, enable innovation, and build a technology-driven economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.
