NITDA @20: We’ve achieved 100% of our mandate in impacting IT sector – DG NITDA
…We’ve touched lives of 2.5m Nigerians positively in IT, agriculture, Education
By Ogaga Ariemu
Director- General of National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA), Mr Abdullahi Kashifu said the agency has impacted Nigeria Information Technology sector 100% per cent, touched lives of 2.5million Nigeria and pledged to do more.
Kashifu made this disclosure during NITDA’s 20th anniversary lecture in Abuja on Thursday.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone in the life of any institution. Some of the biggest companies in the world today were established in the last twenty years or less. Therefore, it is critical for NITDA to introspect its past and project into the future, set new targets, and improve for the better. As I mentioned earlier, today’s event is twofold. The first part will review the purpose of NITDA’s existence and reflect on the journey so far, and the second part will unveil the next phase of the journey.
“The theme for the day Growth and Resilience is exciting because it captures the moment. NITDA has grown beyond the dreams of its founders. NITDA was established to implement the Nigerian National IT Policy, which I can confidently say that we have delivered 100% with higher and deeper impacts to our economy. Now, we talk of resilience because NITDA sees digital technologies as a source of inspiration to reinvent and meet the digital age challenges in an increasingly dynamic and competitive world.
“There is no doubt that NITDA has made a difference and touched the lives of more than 2.5 million Nigerians. Our impact is visible across the country, and this can be attested to by the outcomes. Just recently, our sector, the ICT sector bailed Nigeria out of a covid-induced recession that was predicted to crush the Nigerian spirit. We have attracted more foreign investments into the digital economy sector than any developing country globally. Our developmental regulations have created new economic industry such as business process outsourcing, data protection and a robust software industry.
“Despite the modest achievements recorded by the Agency, we are not oblivious of the multi-dimensional challenges confronting our country. But we believe there is a silver lining for innovation to create prosperity for all. We have an excellent opportunity to leapfrog into the future through the 4th industrial revolution. We are blessed with the most prominent black diaspora, resilient and resourceful youths, solid and diverse culture, abundant natural resources etc. The NITDA of the next decade is prepared to act as an institutional catalyst to actualise the long-held dream of every Nigerian to build a Nation where peace, prosperity and justice shall reign”, he said.
