NITDA, NCFRMI forge alliance for inclusive digital transformation
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reiterated the agency’s resolve to promote inclusive digital transformation, with particular focus on Nigeria’s displaced populations.
He disclosed this during a strategic engagement session with the leadership of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Inuwa acknowledged the productive collaboration between NITDA and NCFRMI over the years, citing initiatives such as ICT support and staff training. He announced fresh plans to revitalise and expand this partnership through the deployment of new IT equipment and the introduction of tailored digital literacy programmes in resettlement cities.
The initiative is in line with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027), which targets achieving 70 percent digital literacy across the country by 2027. This target remains a key component of the Federal Government’s broader digital economy agenda.
Inuwa outlined NITDA’s renewed strategy, which includes the establishment of community-based digital learning centres equipped with shared devices, the deployment of trained National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to deliver ICT training within resettlement camps, and the provision of ICT infrastructure customised to meet the specific needs of each community.
He also revealed that NITDA is collaborating with an international organisation to establish innovative technology hubs within Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the Federal Capital Territory.
Calling for a more structured framework, Inuwa proposed a formalised workstream between NITDA and NCFRMI to jointly carry out needs assessments in resettlement cities and camps, design tailored interventions, and develop scalable models for nationwide replication.
He underscored the importance of such collaboration in expanding impact and reaching more Nigerians in need, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, praised NITDA’s leadership in advancing national development. He noted that Nigeria currently hosts over 6.1 million internally displaced persons as a result of insecurity, insurgency, and natural disasters, while more than 125,000 Nigerians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
Although the Federal Government continues to respond to these challenges, Ahmed maintained that deeper inter-agency partnerships are critical to sustainably empowering affected populations.
He stated that the collaboration goes beyond access to digital tools, aiming instead to restore dignity and opportunity. According to the Commissioner, strengthening host communities through improved access to clean water, renovated schools, and healthcare services is also a central objective.
He noted that resettlement cities have already been established in Kano, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and Daura, with a new site in Keffi, Nasarawa State, currently housing over 40 households.
These centres offer housing, healthcare facilities, markets, schools, vocational training hubs, and agricultural land, all designed to help displaced persons rebuild their lives.
“Digital literacy has become essential for empowerment,” Ahmed said.
“With developments like JAMB’s move to computer-based testing, it is imperative that displaced children and youth acquire the ICT skills necessary to thrive in today’s world. We are fully committed to working with NITDA to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind.”