The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has clarified that Nigeria’s emerging digital strategy is rooted in the protection of national interests and the attainment of long-term technological self-reliance.
Speaking during a high-level engagement at GITEX Africa, Inuwa emphasized that the country’s policy direction is not a reaction to shifting global geo-technical rivalries or an attempt to align with specific international power blocs.
He noted that the focus remains squarely on establishing a robust national software infrastructure and regulatory framework that ensures Nigeria maintains domestic control over its digital future.
This strategic pivot aims to secure the nation’s technological independence by fostering local capacity and ensuring that digital integration serves the country’s sovereign needs.
By treating digital systems as critical national infrastructure, the government intends to move beyond being a mere consumer of foreign technology toward becoming a value creator.
Inuwa reiterated that this approach is not about exclusionary politics or banning foreign entities, but rather about creating a balanced environment where international partnerships coexist with a primary mandate to safeguard the nation’s data, intelligence, and long-term economic security.
He also highlighted concerns about historical imbalances in global industrial development, noting that Africa has often contributed raw materials, labour, and data without fully benefiting from value-added industries.
“We don’t want a repeat of previous industrial revolutions where Africa was left behind. This time, it is about value creation and building our own digital offerings,” he added.