Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has inaugurated a Multistakeholder Coordination Group as part of efforts to deepen collaboration and sustain Nigeria’s growing profile in digital governance.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described Nigeria’s recent global recognition in digital governance as both an honour and a call for greater responsibility.
He warned against complacency, stressing that the country must intensify efforts to maintain and improve its current standing.
“Recognition comes with responsibility. If the global community recognises what we are doing, it means we must do more to sustain that progress,” he said.
Inuwa attributed Nigeria’s progress in digital transformation to deliberate investments in policy frameworks and regulations, including the National E-Governance and Digital Economy Bill and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, alongside key instruments such as the Interoperability Framework and the Nigerian Government Enterprise Architecture.
He, however, noted that while these frameworks have strengthened the nation’s digital foundation, improved coordination and inclusive participation are essential to sustaining the gains, hence the establishment of the Multistakeholder Coordination Group.
The NITDA boss emphasised inclusivity, urging stakeholders to ensure that underserved communities, persons with disabilities, children and the elderly are not excluded from Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.
He identified improved connectivity and digital literacy as critical enablers.
Acknowledging the regulatory achievements, Inuwa disclosed that the agency reviewed Information Technology projects valued at over ₦1.5tn across federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the past year, saving more than ₦319bn.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges, revealing that more than 56 per cent of IT projects have historically failed to meet expectations due to poor planning and inadequate technical oversight.
To address this, he said NITDA is introducing stricter guidelines to ensure proper system design, professional certification and quality assurance.
Inuwa also stressed the need to institutionalise reforms, warning that progress must not be dependent on individuals, while aligning the initiative with the digital transformation agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We need stakeholders to hold us accountable for what we promise to deliver,” he added.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership in Nigeria, Gloria Ahmed, commended NITDA for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward strengthening collaboration within the digital ecosystem.
She noted that the move aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, adding that technology remains central to building trust in governance.
Ahmed further outlined Nigeria’s achievements under the Open Government Partnership, particularly its recognition at the 2025 Global Summit in Spain, and called for sustained momentum.
She added that the Fourth National Action Plan includes commitments on digital governance and the development of a national Digital Public Infrastructure, including the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform, aimed at improving coordination and service delivery.
According to her, the success of these initiatives will depend on active collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector.
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