The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative arts industry.
Speaking at Moment 2026, Africa’s largest convergence of creators, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa emphasized that the Agency remains focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem where local creators can thrive and compete on a global scale.
Represented by the Director of the DG’s Office, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Inuwa noted that Nigeria’s creative industry is currently valued at over $9 billion and is projected to exceed $13 billion in the coming years with sustained institutional support.
He remarked that Nigeria has transitioned from being a nation of traditional storytellers and musicians into a powerful economic force where cultural expression meets industrial innovation.
Central to NITDA’s intervention is the development of digital talent. Through flagship programs such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency is equipping young Nigerians with specialized skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media.
The Director General stressed that the intersection of creativity and technology is the industry’s future, noting that connectivity and computing power now allow a single creator with a smartphone to reach a global audience.
To support this digital transformation, NITDA is driving the development of critical infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which provides secure and scalable local computing resources for digital entrepreneurs.
He also disclosed that the Agency is supporting national broadband expansion through Project BRIDGE to improve connectivity and broaden participation in the digital economy.
Beyond physical infrastructure, NITDA continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks governing cybersecurity and data protection, which are essential for safeguarding intellectual property and fostering digital trust.
Inuwa also disclosed that the Agency is leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria at the forefront of creative innovation. Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), NITDA is advancing research that enables creators to integrate artificial intelligence into content production and storytelling.
In his closing remarks, the Director General urged young creators to recognize that their work represents significant innovation and national influence, promising that NITDA will continue to foster an ecosystem that empowers the creative sector to create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Kalu advocates for increased local technology transfer with EU nations
By Paul James
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for increased technology transfer and local production partnerships with European nations.
Kalu identified this as a strategic pathway to harness Nigeria’s abundant raw materials, create sustainable jobs for the youth population, and curb irregular migration.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker made these remarks while receiving a delegation of European parliamentarians under the First Step Forum, led by Marc Jost.
The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and foster collaboration on shared global challenges.
During the meeting, Kalu advocated for the economic model of near-shoring, emphasizing the necessity of relocating technology, finance, and industrial capacity closer to where raw materials are sourced.
He questioned why industrial processes remain detached from the primary resource providers, particularly in Africa.
“We have a huge population within our youth demography. You have the capital and the technology; we have the raw materials. The question is: why are we not practicing what the economy calls near-shoring?” Kalu asked.
He explained that near-shoring entails situating manufacturing plants within the countries that produce the resources, rather than exporting them in their raw form.
He argued that Nigeria must transition from exporting commodities like cocoa and lithium to processing them locally into finished goods, such as chocolate and electric vehicle batteries.
“Why should I export my cocoa to you when you can bring your technology and finance here to turn it into chocolate? Let our cocoa farms become chocolate factories. That is value addition; that is job creation,” he stated.
Kalu further highlighted Nigeria’s vast lithium deposits, describing them as some of the highest quality globally.
He stressed the importance of partnerships that enable the local production of batteries, especially as the world shifts toward cleaner energy.
He urged a reset in Africa-Europe relations, calling for both regions to move beyond historical grievances and build a future anchored on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Addressing Nigeria’s religious landscape, the Deputy Speaker described the country’s diversity as a source of strength that enriches governance.
He noted that pluralism allows for more balanced and inclusive decision-making.
“Our diversity is not a disadvantage; it is a beautiful coloration that allows us to see issues from multiple perspectives,” he said.
He also commended the inclusive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President actively promotes religious harmony.