Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
The partnership, formalised during a signing ceremony in Abuja, seeks to strengthen digital skills development, promote innovation-driven initiatives, and expand opportunities within the region’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a major step towards harnessing human capital and fostering regional collaboration for sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its longstanding culture of cooperation, saying collective action remains essential to Nigeria’s progress.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation. For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” Inuwa said.
The NITDA boss stressed that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people and that investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
Director General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General DAWN Commission Dr Seye Oyeleye alongside representatives of both organisations, display signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon its signing at NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.
According to him, the partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation-focused programmes that will empower citizens to develop local solutions with national and global impact.
Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation nationwide through digital literacy programmes and support for innovation hubs and technology development initiatives.
He noted that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies intersect, urging regions to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors. Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he said.
Inuwa expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of NITDA’s strategic initiatives across the Southwest and called for swift action following the signing of the MoU.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, described digital literacy as essential for preparing citizens for future opportunities and meaningful participation in the digital economy.
He noted that the commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states, views the partnership as a strategic platform for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Oyeleye referenced Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest has a pivotal role to play in achieving the goal.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
According to him, the DAWN Commission will leverage its network across the six Southwest states to connect federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” Oyeleye stated.
He assured NITDA of the commission’s commitment to delivering measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create.
The partnership is expected to boost digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria while supporting the country’s broader transition to a robust and inclusive digital economy.
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