Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has stressed the importance of artificial intelligence, digital skills and innovation in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation, urging stakeholders to work together to build a globally competitive digital economy.
The agency made the call at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, where it reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging technology, innovation, and human capital development to accelerate the country’s digital transition.
Speaking at the two-day event held in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo said Nigeria’s future prosperity would depend largely on its ability to harness emerging technologies and develop its human capital.
Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners and young innovators, Abdullahi noted that the global digital economy presents enormous opportunities for Nigeria and Africa to create jobs, attract investments and improve productivity.
According to him, technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms are reshaping economies and creating new pathways for growth and development.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he said.
He emphasised that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are rapidly transforming industries worldwide and called on stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.
The NITDA boss also highlighted the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
He underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia, development partners, and startups to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo, themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies,” brought together key players in the technology ecosystem to discuss artificial intelligence, startup development, innovation financing, digital skills, entrepreneurship and technology adoption.
Participants also explored strategies for positioning the Niger Delta as a leading hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while addressing challenges related to startup financing, infrastructure, skills development, and technology commercialisation.
During the event, NITDA engaged with technology companies, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential collaborations aimed at advancing digital inclusion and innovation-led development.
The agency further showcased some of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
Stakeholders commended NITDA’s efforts in promoting digital literacy, supporting startups, and strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem while reaffirming their commitment to fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for young Nigerians in the digital economy.
As the expo concluded, NITDA reiterated its resolve to continue building partnerships, developing talent, and enabling innovation to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity across the country.
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