The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across the Southwest region through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to an official signed statement by NITDA, the agreement is designed to deepen digital inclusion, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens across the six Southwest states.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership as a significant milestone in leveraging human capital and regional collaboration to drive sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its enduring culture of cooperation and collective progress, noting that collaboration remains a critical ingredient for national 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,” Inuwa said.
The NITDA Director General emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, stressing that investments in digital skills, technology, and innovation are essential to unlocking economic opportunities and creating long-term prosperity.
He explained that the partnership would promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop local solutions with national and global relevance.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation across the country, Inuwa said the Agency is expanding digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development nationwide.
According to him, innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge, making it imperative for every region to identify and harness its comparative 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.
Inuwa expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of NITDA’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest and deliver measurable benefits to citizens and businesses across the region.
“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, underscored the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the global 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 digital transformation agenda.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ambition of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest region would play a pivotal role in achieving the 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.
The DAWN Commission Director General explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the Southwest.
He added that the Commission would leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the region to connect federal digital initiatives with local communities, educational institutions, and young people who require digital skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“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,” Oyeleye stated.
He further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year lifespan of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions is reflected in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The partnership underscores the shared determination of both organisations to expand digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and support Nigeria’s transition to a robust, inclusive, and knowledge-driven digital economy.
