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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has invested more than N4.5 trillion in information technology between June 2023 and June 2026, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday when he received a delegation of American business representatives, including Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group, the American Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation was led by the President of the US-Africa Business Centre, Kendra Gaither.
Inuwa said the government was seeking stronger partnerships with international technology companies to build a resilient, inclusive and competitive digital economy.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu valued strategic partnerships with global technology firms, adding that Nigeria’s digital policies were designed to attract investments, strengthen local capacity and secure the country’s digital future.
According to him, Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda was anchored on two major objectives: ensuring that citizens have reliable access to essential digital services and positioning them to participate meaningfully in value creation within the digital economy.
“Our policy intent is just about two things. First, to make sure our citizens have basic access, no matter what. What I mean by no matter what means we should have a capacity for digital self-determination,” he said.
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The NITDA boss explained that digital sovereignty should not be interpreted as an attempt to shut out foreign technology companies, but as an opportunity for them to invest in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and collaborate with local businesses to develop sustainable solutions.
“It’s not about politics. It’s not about locking our doors against anybody, but it’s about inviting you to come and build with us,” Inuwa said.
He expressed the need for international collaboration to support Nigeria’s digital development goals, stressing that partnerships with global technology companies would help strengthen the country’s capacity to deliver digital services and create economic value.
Earlier, Gaither said the American business community was interested in deepening commercial engagement with Nigeria, particularly in digital transformation.
She described Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s information technology and digital economy landscape, noting that the country’s policy direction had significant implications for businesses operating across West Africa and the wider continent.
Gaither said the delegation sought constructive dialogue with NITDA to gain a better understanding of Nigeria’s evolving digital regulatory environment and identify practical ways to support shared economic and innovation objectives.
The engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to explore areas of cooperation that could attract investments, promote innovation and strengthen commercial ties between Nigeria and the United States.
