The importance of data in promoting a healthy digital economy has been emphasised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). During the recently concluded 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, the organisation stressed the importance of using data securely and ethically.
Nigeria’s digital future depends on data sovereignty, according to NITDA’s Director General Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department. By putting data security and privacy first, the agency hopes to create a vibrant digital environment that helps people and businesses alike.
The Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) of NITDA organised the Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, which highlighted the creativity and talent of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs. The occasion served as more evidence of the agency’s dedication to fostering a thriving online community and enabling the upcoming generation of tech executives and companies.
Inuwa said that the event highlights NITDA’s vision to establish Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, providing opportunities for innovators to flourish in a constantly evolving technological landscape while also being in line with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.
“The issue of having something homegrown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realise that data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what is driving us now, and everything is all about data,” he added.
Speaking of the relevance of the event, which speaks to the pillars of a robust technological research ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services of the SRAP document, he urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.
“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight,” he noted.
While stating the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous digital innovation thrives, Inuwa disclosed that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in 3 states with plans to expand to 6 more by the end of the year and stated that the nests are designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.
“These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment,” Inuwa explained.
“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams. Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” he concluded.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the National Coordinator of the ONDI, Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
While emphasising the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she averred that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP and fulfils the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of knowledge, innovation, and policy.
“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” she stated.
