Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reinforced its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative and arts industry, unveiling a series of digital initiatives, enabling regulations, and infrastructure projects designed to unlock the sector’s economic potential.
Speaking at Moment 2026, Africa’s largest convergence of creators, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, highlighted the agency’s focus on building a technology-driven ecosystem where Nigerian creators can thrive, innovate, and compete globally.
Represented at the event by Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director of the DG’s Office, Inuwa emphasized that the country’s creative industry—currently valued at over $9 billion—could exceed $13 billion in the coming years with the right support.
“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.
Central to NITDA’s efforts is digital talent development. Through flagship programmes like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the agency is equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media, preparing them for emerging opportunities in the global creator economy.
Inuwa also highlighted the transformative role of technology in the sector, noting, “Creativity today 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.”
To support this growth, NITDA is spearheading the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which offers secure, scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs. The agency is also backing national broadband expansion efforts through Project BRIDGE, aimed at improving connectivity and increasing participation in the digital economy.
Beyond infrastructure, the agency is strengthening regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust—critical elements for safeguarding creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe engagement in online ecosystems.
Inuwa further revealed that NITDA is leveraging emerging technologies through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to advance research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.
Calling on young creators to recognise the global and economic significance of their work, he said, “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”
The DG reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to implementing policies, developing infrastructure, and fostering innovation ecosystems that empower Nigeria’s creative sector to grow sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic diversification agenda.
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