By Esther Olaoluwa |
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger collaboration among startups, investors, researchers, government and industry players to expand Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.
The agency made the call at the 20th edition of the Nigeria Computer Society International Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders examined how artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics can support inclusive growth and economic development.
NITDA Highlights Role of Collaboration
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said sustained investment in innovation, digital skills, research and strategic partnerships would be important to Nigeria’s digital future.
He said NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan focuses on expanding digital literacy, supporting research and development, strengthening cybersecurity and building innovation-driven ecosystems.
“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” Onumo said.
The agency said it was expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and technology startups through initiatives aimed at encouraging collaboration, investment and the development of locally built technology solutions.
NITDA also encouraged innovators and startup founders at the conference to participate in the forthcoming Builders Summit, where indigenous technology solutions addressing national development challenges will be showcased.
Plateau Government Embraces Digital Solutions
Declaring the conference open, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said digital technology had become essential to modern governance and economic development.
Mutfwang said his administration had deployed digital solutions to improve public service delivery, increase internally generated revenue and modernise government processes.
“Technology will also play a decisive role in transforming agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security,” he said.
He urged participants to ensure that discussions at the conference translate into practical solutions capable of addressing development challenges.
NCS Seeks Investment in Emerging Technologies
The President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was aimed at bringing together policymakers, regulators, researchers and industry leaders to develop strategies for harnessing emerging technologies.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance,” Sirajo identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as technologies that would continue to shape future economies.
He said Nigeria’s young population and growing digital ecosystem provide an opportunity to build a globally competitive technology sector, but noted that infrastructure, innovation and skills development must remain priorities.
The conference brought together government officials, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private-sector leaders to discuss policies and innovations that could support Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthen the development of locally built technology solutions.
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