NITDA, DAWN Commission Seal Pact to Drive Digital Revolution in Southwest

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.

..... As Inuwa describes the partnership as a major step towards harnessing human capital and fostering regional cooperation for sustainable national development.

..... Praises the Southwest for its long-standing tradition of collaboration, noting that collective action remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s growth potential.

..... Says “The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation, and economic growth across the six states of Southwest Nigeria.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, is expected to strengthen collaboration on digital skills development, innovation ecosystems, and technology-driven economic opportunities as Nigeria pushes to build an inclusive digital economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership as a major step towards harnessing human capital and fostering regional cooperation for sustainable national development.

He praised the Southwest for its long-standing tradition of collaboration, noting that collective action remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s growth potential.

“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, underscoring the need for sustained investment in digital skills, innovation, and technology to create prosperity and expand economic opportunities.

According to him, the partnership will promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives that empower citizens to develop solutions capable of making both national and global impact.

Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation through expanded digital literacy programmes, support for innovation hubs, and technology development initiatives across the country.

He noted that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge, urging regions to identify and strengthen their unique competitive 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,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the partnership, Inuwa said both organisations had already begun collaborating before the formal signing of the agreement and called for accelerated implementation of agreed programmes.

Also speaking, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, described digital literacy as a critical requirement for preparing citizens to participate effectively in the emerging digital economy.

He said the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, sees the partnership as a strategic platform for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Oyeleye noted that Nigeria’s goal of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 under the Digital Literacy for All Initiative places the Southwest at the centre of achieving the national target.

“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 implementing the National Digital Literacy Framework across the region and pledged that the Commission would leverage its extensive network to connect federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.

Oyeleye assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year lifespan of the agreement, stressing that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create.

The partnership is expected to strengthen digital literacy, expand innovation ecosystems, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s journey toward a technology-driven and inclusive economy.