NITDA Seeks Massive Digital Infrastructure Drive to Fast-Track Nigeria’s Industrial Growth

Kashifu Inuwa
DG NITDA 

"Digital infrastructure can no longer be treated as a separate component of development." Inuwa

.... Says "virtually every sector of the economy is becoming technology-driven."

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for accelerated investment in digital infrastructure as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation, urging stronger collaboration between government and private sector players to bridge the nation’s infrastructure gap.

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made the call at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026) in Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to explore strategies for mobilising private capital for sustainable infrastructure development.

Speaking on the theme, “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” Inuwa stressed that digital infrastructure can no longer be treated as a separate component of development, noting that virtually every sector of the economy is becoming technology-driven.

“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital, and there is a need to integrate digital technology into conventional infrastructure,” he said.

The NITDA boss described integrated infrastructure as essential for long-term economic growth, improved urban development, enhanced productivity and stronger communities in an increasingly digital world.

He also reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agenda, pledging closer collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other stakeholders to expand the country’s digital infrastructure base.

According to him, NITDA is already working with NACCIMA on plans to digitise its operations and infrastructure, while encouraging the private sector to take advantage of government-backed PPP opportunities.

Earlier, NACCIMA President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, said the conference was designed to become Nigeria’s premier platform for attracting private investment, fostering innovation and building strategic partnerships for infrastructure development.

He identified key focus areas for INFRACON 2026 as power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, industrialisation, productivity enhancement and export growth.

Ibrahim said NACCIMA would continue to identify investment-ready opportunities and work with stakeholders to accelerate infrastructure delivery, describing infrastructure development as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic ambitions.

He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government and investors would help position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment and lay the foundation for the country’s aspiration of building a $1 trillion economy.

The conference attracted policymakers, investors, business leaders and development partners seeking practical solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure financing and development challenges.