NITDA Deepens Support For Creative Economy With Digital Initiatives, Policy Frameworks
By Oluwole Alao
Aligning with the current administration’s focus on diversifying the economy through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative and arts industry through targeted digital initiatives, enabling regulations, and strategic infrastructure development aimed at unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
Speaking at Moment 2026, Africa’s Largest Convergence of Creators, the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasised that the Agency was focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem where creators could thrive, innovate, and compete globally.
Highlighting the growing importance of the sector, the NITDA DG, who was represented by the Director of the DG’s Office, Dr Ayodeji Eniola, noted that Nigeria’s creative industry, currently valued at over $9 billion, could exceed $13 billion in the coming years with the right support systems in place.
Mallam Abdullahi said: “Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force.”
He said that at the heart of NITDA’s interventions was digital talent development and mentioned that through flagship programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency was equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media, ensuring they were prepared for emerging opportunities in the global creator economy.
The NITDA boss stressed that the intersection of creativity and technology was central to the future of the industry.
“Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world,” he said.
To support this transformation,Abdullahi stated that NITDA was driving the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which provided secure, scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs.
He also noted the Agency was supporting national broadband expansion efforts, such as Project BRIDGE, to improve connectivity and expand participation in the digital economy.
In addition to infrastructure, Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA continued to strengthen regulatory frameworks that promoted cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, critical elements for safeguarding creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe participation in online ecosystems.
He announced that the Agency was also leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation in the creative space. Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), he added that NITDA was advancing research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.
Director of the DG’s Office, Dr Ayodeji Eniola
Reinforcing the broader national vision and calling on young creators to recognise the economic and global significance of their work, the NITDA DG said, “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”
He reiterated that the Agency would continue to implement policies, develop infrastructure, and foster innovation ecosystems that empowered Nigeria’s creative sector to grow sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
