FG Tech Synergy Deepens: NITDA, FMCIDE Forge Stronger Alliance to Accelerate Nigeria’s Digital Economy

NITDA DG, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE with the Permanent Secretary, FMCI&DE, Nadungu Gagare who paid a courtesy visit the NITDA Headquarters recently.

"Sustained collaboration between both institutions remains critical to achieving national digital objectives." Inuwa.

..... Recalls previous engagements where NITDA had presented its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives aimed at driving innovation and efficiency in the sector.

..... "Identifies key policy priorities requiring closer coordination, particularly the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework."

The National Information Technology Development Agency National Information Technology Development Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and ensure stronger policy alignment across the sector.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to the Agency’s headquarters, describing the engagement as a strong indication of the Ministry’s leadership and commitment to advancing the country’s digital economy agenda.

According to him, sustained collaboration between both institutions remains critical to achieving national digital objectives, recalling previous engagements where NITDA had presented its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives aimed at driving innovation and efficiency in the sector.

He identified key policy priorities requiring closer coordination, particularly the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.

“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said, stressing the need for clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect to improve operational effectiveness and inter-agency cooperation.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s leadership in implementing the Performance Management System (PMS), noting that the agency adopted the framework internally several years before its rollout across the Federal Civil Service.

“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he disclosed, adding that initiatives such as Project NEXT have strengthened accountability, defined roles, and improved measurable outcomes within the agency.

“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.

He further noted that NITDA has evolved from a traditional regulatory body into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.

“We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he said, explaining that the agency is fostering a flexible and entrepreneurial culture that empowers staff to contribute ideas and drive institutional growth.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the FMCIDE, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with its agencies, describing collaboration as essential to sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he stated.

He explained that the visit was part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagements with agencies under its supervision to strengthen policy coordination, assess progress, and resolve operational challenges requiring higher-level intervention.

Gagare commended NITDA for its contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, particularly in digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and support for startups and young innovators.

“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for policy coherence among agencies under the Ministry, noting that their mandates are interconnected and must be implemented seamlessly.

“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said, assuring NITDA of continued institutional support and guidance.

The Permanent Secretary further referenced ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, especially the Performance Management System, which promotes accountability, clear targets, and measurable outcomes.

“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he noted.

The engagement underscores a shared commitment by both institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy through enhanced collaboration, innovation, and effective governance, with expectations that the partnership will drive inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and sustainable national development.