NITDA, NACCIMA Forge Partnership To Boost Business Digitalisation

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation among Nigerian businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of GITEX Nigeria in Lagos by NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, and his NACCIMA counterpart, Engr. Olusola Obadimu, is expected to establish a framework for technology adoption, digital innovation and capacity building across the private sector.

The partnership comes amid growing pressure on Nigerian businesses to adopt digital tools to remain competitive as technology continues to reshape global commerce.

Speaking after the signing, the NACCIMA director-general described digital transformation as increasingly necessary for businesses, particularly those seeking to compete beyond the Nigerian market.

“It is an excellent arrangement to have this type of protocol on digitisation and digital transformation, especially for the private sector,” Obadimu said.

“NACCIMA is the umbrella body of the organised private sector in Nigeria, and digital transformation is a necessity. There is no better partner to work with than NITDA, and we are happy to sign this MoU and move the partnership forward.”

Under the agreement, both organisations will collaborate on the development of a digital ecosystem platform, enterprise digital transformation for MSMEs, promotion of digital innovation and technology adoption, as well as capacity building for businesses.

The MoU also provides for cooperation towards the development and institutionalisation of the Digital Nigeria International Conference (DNICE) 2026 and subsequent editions.

The partnership between both organisations is expected to strengthen connections between government agencies, private-sector groups, technology firms, academia, investors and development partners in a bid to improve the environment for technology-led enterprise growth.

Obadimu said implementation of the agreement would begin immediately, stressing that businesses should expect tangible outcomes from the collaboration.

“We are going to hit the ground running as soon as we return to our offices for the implementation of this agreement. Nigerians will begin to see things happen almost instantaneously,” he said.

He further linked the initiative to Nigeria’s youthful population, arguing that greater institutional support could enable young Nigerians to develop businesses capable of competing in international markets.

“Digitalisation is the way to go. As you can see, we have a youthful population, and they are the ones driving this process. We should encourage them and give them all the necessary support to go beyond Nigeria and compete on the global stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the partnership for NITDA expands its engagement with the organised private sector on digital skills, technology adoption and business transformation, while NACCIMA brings its nationwide network of businesses and chambers into the implementation framework.