The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s digital inclusion strategy, urging the government and industry players to move beyond providing access to technology to equipping citizens with the skills, literacy and trust needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Inuwa made the call while speaking at a session titled “Inclusive Growth in the Digital Age” at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32), organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The summit brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, development institutions and civil society to explore ways of translating economic reforms into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
The NITDA boss said digital inclusion should not be measured by internet connectivity alone but by the ability of citizens to use digital tools meaningfully to improve their livelihoods, expand businesses and compete effectively in the digital economy.
He stressed that technology must deliver practical benefits by simplifying daily activities, improving efficiency and creating new economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Inuwa also highlighted the gap between individual digital productivity and national prosperity, describing it as a challenge that requires an enabling environment where innovation can flourish and individual achievements can translate into wider economic gains.
According to him, closing the gap requires sustained collaboration among government, industry and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation and ensure that no Nigerian is excluded from the opportunities offered by the digital economy.
He reaffirmed that building a trusted and inclusive digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships would be crucial to transforming individual success stories into collective national prosperity and sustainable development.
The call underscores the need for Nigeria’s digital inclusion efforts to prioritise not only access to technology but also the capacity of citizens to use it productively, securely and confidently to create wealth and support economic growth.
