The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has re-emphasised the critical role of data in driving a sustainable digital economy.
According to a statement from NITDA over the weekend, its Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed the need for safe and responsible data utilisation at the just-concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge.
Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, noted the importance of data sovereignty in ensuring Nigeria’s digital future. He said that by prioritising data security and privacy, the agency aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.
The Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, organised by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), showcased the talent and innovation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs. The event further reinforced the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
While stating that the event aligns with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, Inuwa mentioned that the event underscores NITDA’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.
“The issue of having something home-grown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realise that data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what is driving us now, and everything is all about data,” he added.
Highlighting the relevance of the event, the DG urged participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.
“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight,” he noted.
While stating the agency’s commitment to ensuring that indigenous digital innovation thrives, Inuwa disclosed that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in three states, with plans to expand to six more by the end of the year. He stated that the nests are designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.
“These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment,” Inuwa explained.
“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams. Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” he concluded.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the National Coordinator of ONDI, Ms Victoria Fabunmi, stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
While emphasising the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she stated that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP and fulfils the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.
“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” she said.
The Sun Nigeria
