NITDA emphasizes data sovereignty, sectoral transformation, and indigenous innovation as key to Nigeria’s digital economy growth.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has described data as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital economy, emphasizing its transformative potential in fostering innovation and economic growth.
This declaration was made by NITDA’s Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, during the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge in Abuja. He likened data to “the new oil,” highlighting its infinite usability and critical role in driving growth across healthcare, security, education, and agriculture.
Mallam Inuwa stressed that leveraging data efficiently is central to achieving societal and economic advancements. He underscored the importance of data sovereignty in safeguarding data security and privacy, which he identified as critical pillars for building a sustainable digital ecosystem. Drawing parallels with global trends, he affirmed that data has become a vital resource, akin to oil in traditional economies, and should be harnessed to benefit individuals and businesses alike.
Key Sectors Transforming Through Data
NITDA outlined the immense impact of data across multiple sectors:
- Healthcare: Advanced data analytics can improve patient care through enhanced diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- Security: Better data management strengthens national security measures and supports crime prevention initiatives.
- Education: Data insights offer personalized learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.
- Agriculture: Farmers can utilize data-driven solutions to optimize crop management and boost yield predictions.
Launch of Innovation Nests
As part of its mission to promote indigenous digital innovation, NITDA announced plans to establish Innovation Nests in nine states by 2025. These centers aim to provide startups with workspace, leisure zones, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration with investors and experts. Mallam Inuwa reiterated that homegrown solutions would be pivotal, adding, “Data is the currency of the digital economy.”
NITDA’s vision for advancing digital innovation is encapsulated in its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. Through this initiative, the agency aims to create enabling environments for startups to thrive by leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). Mallam Inuwa urged participants to tap into funding opportunities provided by the NSA, which connects startups to angel investors, helping them commercialize their ideas and innovations.
Collaboration with Academia
Prof. Kingsley Nwozor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University lauded the government’s initiatives in utilizing data to address national challenges. He recalled how Nigeria effectively employed data analytics during the COVID-19 pandemic through the National Centre for Disease Control’s microsite, which provided real-time updates on cases, testing locations, and vaccination progress.
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