Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for deeper collaboration among government, academia, industry, and technology professionals to harness emerging technologies for inclusive economic growth and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The call was made at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026 held in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders converged to explore innovative solutions for national development through digital technology.
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo stressed that Nigeria’s digital future depends on sustained investments in innovation, digital skills, research, and strategic partnerships capable of delivering measurable socio-economic impact.
He said NITDA remains committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives focused on digital literacy, research and development, emerging technologies, cyber sovereignty and innovation-driven ecosystems aimed at strengthening the country’s digital economy.
According to him, the Agency is also expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology startups by creating platforms that encourage collaboration, investment, and the commercialisation of indigenous solutions.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang joins dignitaries, stakeholders, and organisers for a group photograph at the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) in Jos, Plateau State.
“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.
Inuwa encouraged innovators and startup founders to leverage the forthcoming Builders Summit to showcase homegrown technologies capable of addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
Declaring the conference open, Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, described digital technology as a critical driver of modern governance and economic development. He said his administration has adopted digital solutions to improve public service delivery, boost internally generated revenue and modernise government operations.
The governor added that technology would play a transformative role in agriculture by increasing productivity and strengthening food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference produce practical and impactful outcomes.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, FNCS, said the conference was designed to promote collaboration among policymakers, regulators, researchers and industry leaders on strategies for deploying emerging technologies to drive national development.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” he identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as among the technologies shaping the future of global economies.
He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a unique opportunity to build a globally competitive economy, provided sustained investments are made in digital infrastructure, innovation and skills development.
The conference attracted government officials, regulators, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private sector leaders, who deliberated on policies and innovations expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and promote inclusive economic growth.
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