Towards A Unified IT Ecosystem: NITDA And NCS Champion Collaboration For Digital Nigeria
By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) are jointly emphasising the critical need for a unified approach to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. The call for deepened collaboration among IT stakeholders was the central theme of the Principal IT Stakeholders Forum 2025 held in Abuja.
The foregoing is contained in a press statement e-signed by the Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA, Hajia Hadiza Umar.
Speaking at the forum, as per the statement, the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships Dr. Aristotle Onumo underscored that building a digitally powered Nigeria is a task that cannot be achieved in isolation. He stressed that partnerships are vital to realising a digitally empowered nation, asserting, “Collaboration is the key.”
Mallam Abdullahi highlighted the pillars of the agency’s renewed strategic vision, the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027. According to Abdullahi, this roadmap focused on key areas such as digital literacy and talent cultivation, building a robust technology research ecosystem, and strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust. The NITDA DG specifically called on all stakeholders to join NITDA’s ongoing digital literacy initiatives to ensure that the growth in the digital economy is inclusive.
The forum, organised by NITDA in partnership with the NCS, Abuja Chapter, served as a platform for IT professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for fostering a coherent and unified technology ecosystem.
Chairman of the NCS Abuja Chapter, John Odumesi explained that the event was designed for stakeholders to “co-create and discuss constructively for a better Nigeria,” noting that synergy is essential for accelerating innovation and national development.
In her keynote address, a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society and former Federal Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote lauded NITDA for the timely and innovative initiative. Speaking on the theme, “Aligning Perspectives, Building Synergies: Forging a Unified IT Ecosystem for National Growth,” she offered a historical perspective on Nigeria’s IT journey.
Mrs. Odusote reinforced the theme by stressing the importance of cooperation over competition, saying, “Progress in the IT space cannot be achieved in silos.” We must complement one another rather than compete if we are to realise our national aspirations.”
The event concluded with a strong consensus, urging stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to deepen their collaborative efforts and align strategies to advance Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
