The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reiterated the agency’s strong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through green technology and innovation.
Inuwa gave the assurance while addressing participants at the 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED 2025), organised by the Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) under the theme: “Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Business and Society.”
Commending YIN for what he described as a “timely and visionary dialogue,” the NITDA boss praised the organisation’s consistent role in promoting innovation, nurturing talent, and driving sustainable solutions critical for national development.
“TED 2025 once again proves that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today,” he said, noting that the theme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
Highlighting NITDA’s interventions to strengthen the tech ecosystem, Inuwa cited the establishment of Technology and Innovation Hubs nationwide, as well as initiatives such as iHatch, the National Innovation Challenge, IgniteHer, We Elevate, and the Renewed Hope Innovation Nest. He also referenced partnerships supporting research in frontier technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and clean energy.
“These initiatives are designed to ensure that innovation is inclusive—reaching youth, women, and MSMEs across Nigeria, while equipping them with digital tools to create scalable solutions,” he explained.
Inuwa emphasised that green technology adoption is a necessity, not an option, and called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, academia, and citizens to build a sustainable, inclusive future. He assured stakeholders that NITDA is committed to partnerships that will enable Nigeria to lead Africa in leveraging green technology for growth, jobs, and development.
Delivering the keynote address, sustainability expert Dr. Krakrafaa Bestman observed that while millions of Nigerians still lack reliable electricity, the country’s abundant solar, wind, hydro, and human capital resources provide vast opportunities for bridging the energy gap.
He highlighted Nigeria’s energy transition targets, including plans to generate 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and deploy 5GW of solar capacity. Ongoing projects such as the Nigerian Electrification Project and community-based mini-grids, he noted, are designed to expand access, especially in rural areas.
Dr. Bestman also stressed the need for circular economy practices, such as recycling and waste-to-energy, to reduce pollution and create economic opportunities. He outlined three priorities for the transition: reforms to attract investment, greater private sector commitment to clean energy, and locally adaptable innovations.
While warning against risks such as battery hazards and poorly installed solar systems, he called for strict safety standards and lifecycle management.
“Green technologies must not only drive businesses but also protect the future,” he said, urging Nigerians to embrace innovation and collaboration. “The world is waiting for Nigeria’s leadership in building a resilient and sustainable energy system.”
