Inclusivity Remains Guiding Principle For Digitisation – NITDA DG

The director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said inclusivity is key to achieving digitisation in line with its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) to ensure digital transformation of the country.

The NITDA director-general, stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop programme in Uyo, organised by the Agency in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

Inuwa who was represented by the director, Zonal Offices Directorate, Ajayi Ayodimej said, as Nigeria navigates digitalisation and entrepreneurial evolution, the agency stands as a beacon of guidance and is committed to providing an enabling environment that empowers all stakeholders to be catalysts of change.

The DG added that whereas available resources are at the disposal of industry players, the Agency’s doors are open to partnerships that would pave the way for a digitally empowered future.

“Digitalisation is when digital technology becomes a part of every aspect of society. It is not just a fancy word but it is what causes big changes in industries because it changes the way we do business, take care of our health, educate ourselves, and even govern.

“In fact, Digitalisation changes things for the better, eliminates obstacles, and creates new chances that we couldn’t even think of before; our responsibility is therefore to take hold of these possibilities and use them to transform society”, he said.

Inuwa who described the theme of the event: “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries: Towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution” as apt, noted that the gathering was not only to discuss concepts, but to chart a course that will redefine industries, empower individuals, and shape the future of the nation.

“Modern digital technologies have changed how uncertainty in business processes and results work and how we can effectively handle these uncertainties.

“This brings up important questions about where digital technologies and entrepreneurship intersect, especially in digital business. We think about two main results: more flexible business processes and results, and less fixed places where business decisions are made”, the DG said.

According to him, to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, NITDA established the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), stressing that these Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) have supported startups, including technology incubation, acceleration programmes, and training for students.