Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and policy coordination aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nadungu Gagare, to the headquarters of NITDA in Abuja.
Speaking during the engagement, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the visit as a strong demonstration of leadership support and institutional synergy needed to drive Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.
Inuwa stressed that sustained collaboration between the Ministry and its agencies remains critical to delivering effective digital transformation and strengthening policy implementation across the sector.
He recalled previous engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which NITDA shared its strategic roadmap and ongoing digital initiatives, noting that continuous dialogue had improved alignment and cooperation between both institutions.
The NITDA boss highlighted several strategic policy areas requiring further collaboration, including the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining clear institutional boundaries, mutual respect, and effective inter-agency coordination to improve operational efficiency within the digital ecosystem.
Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA pioneered the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he said.
According to him, initiatives such as Project NEXT have strengthened accountability, clarified roles, and enhanced measurable outcomes within the agency.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
The Director General also highlighted NITDA’s transformation from a conventional regulatory institution into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.
“We are building a high-velocity organisation, one that is agile, inclusive and driven by innovation,” Inuwa stated, adding that the agency now encourages flexibility, creativity and staff-driven ideas capable of accelerating institutional growth.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, presenting the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, during his working visit to the Agency’s Corporate headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with agencies under its supervision.
According to him, partnership and coordination remain fundamental to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he said.
Gagare explained that the visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader engagement strategy aimed at strengthening policy coordination, assessing institutional progress, and resolving operational challenges requiring higher-level intervention.
He commended NITDA’s management and staff for their contributions to Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and support for startups and young innovators.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he noted.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the need for policy coherence among institutions within the Ministry, noting that agency mandates are interconnected and must work seamlessly together.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said while assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and institutional support.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Federal Civil Service, especially the adoption of the Performance Management System, which he said promotes accountability, measurable targets, and consequence management.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” Gagare added.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of both FMCIDE and NITDA to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through stronger institutional collaboration, innovation, policy coordination, and effective governance aimed at delivering inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
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