The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, says it is committed to bridging digital divide, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to technology for all Nigerians across all locations.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdulahi, said this on Thursday in Enugu during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Eco-System Development Programme, with the theme: “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries Towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution”.
Mr Abdulahi, represented by a Director, Babajide Ajayi, noted that in the quest for digitalisation, inclusivity must be our guiding principle, adding that the true measure of digital success lies not just in the strides made by some, but in the progress achieved by all.
According to him, bridging the digital divide, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to technology are vital components of “our journey as an Agency with clear-cut mandate”.
“NITDA is currently drafting the National Digital Equality Strategy for Women (NDESW), which seeks to ensure equitable access and opportunities in the digital environment, empowering women to fully participate in the digital economy.
“Also, the National Digital Skills Strategy (NDSS) is a strategic road-map that will aid digital literacy and talent development in Nigeria,” he said.
The director-general said that digitalisation is when digital technology becomes a part of every aspect of society, including causing big changes in industries and innovations.
He explained that digitalisation changes “the way we do business, takes care of our health, educates ourselves, and even govern, adding that it changes things for the better, eliminates obstacles, and creates new chances.”
On the theme, Mr Abdulahi said that NITDA stands as a beacon of guidance in providing an enabling environment, a framework of support, and a platform for collaboration that empowers all stakeholders to be catalysts of change.
The director-general said that the Agency would be made available to the stakeholders and “our doors are open to partnerships that pave the way for a digitally empowered future”.
“Therefore, we view this meeting as a veritable platform to pool knowledge, experience, and expertise, and to co-create solutions, articulate strategies, and extend our services to all stakeholders, especially at the grassroots.
“Consequently, the objectives of the programme are to offer our stakeholders in the State ICT eco-system the opportunity to express their views and opinions on matters related to the Agency’s implementation of its mandate.
