NITDA Pushes AI, Innovation as Pillars of Nigeria’s Digital Future at Port Harcourt Tech Expo

"Nigeria’s future prosperity would depend more on its human capital and technological capabilities than on its natural resources." Inuwa

.... Says "the global digital economy presents enormous opportunities for Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments and enhance productivity through emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital platforms."

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the private sector to embrace innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as critical drivers of Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic prosperity.

The charge was delivered at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 held at the EUI Centre in Rivers State, where NITDA reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a globally competitive digital economy through technology adoption, skills development, and innovation-led growth.

Speaking at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies,” NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s future prosperity would depend more on its human capital and technological capabilities than on its natural resources.

Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners and young innovators, Inuwa stressed that the global digital economy presents enormous opportunities for Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments and enhance productivity through emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital platforms.

“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he stated.

He noted that AI and other digital technologies are rapidly reshaping industries worldwide and urged stakeholders to leverage innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification, sustainable development and national competitiveness.

The NITDA boss highlighted the agency’s implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on strengthening digital literacy, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, innovation, digital infrastructure and inclusive economic growth.

He also underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry players, academia, development partners and startups to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The Expo attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders who examined issues ranging from artificial intelligence and startup development to digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship and ecosystem growth.

Participants explored strategies for positioning the Niger Delta as a leading hub for technology, innovation and digital entrepreneurship while addressing challenges related to skills development, startup financing, infrastructure deficits and technology commercialization.

During the event, NITDA engaged technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at promoting digital inclusion and innovation-driven development.

The agency also showcased several flagship programmes, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and innovation programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation.

Observers at the Expo commended NITDA’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, citing its growing impact in supporting startups, expanding digital literacy and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The event concluded with stakeholders renewing their commitment to deepen collaboration, support innovation and create more opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.

NITDA reaffirmed that it remains focused on fostering partnerships, developing digital talent, enabling innovation and building a technology-driven economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.