NITDA Digital Infrastructure Drive: Nigeria Must Prioritise Technology to Achieve $1 Trillion Economy – Inuwa

NITDA Digital Infrastructure Drive received a major boost on Tuesday as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, declared that digital infrastructure is central to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy, urging stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.

Speaking at the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (NIGRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Inuwa said the country must integrate digital solutions into conventional infrastructure projects to unlock sustainable economic growth.

He stressed that while traditional infrastructure such as roads, railways and power remains critical to national development, digital infrastructure has become equally indispensable in today’s technology-driven economy.

“Everything is powered by technology,” Inuwa said, emphasising the need to embed digital technologies into smart cities, connectivity projects, cloud infrastructure and digital government services.

The NITDA boss noted that the agency is strengthening its collaboration with NACCIMA to accelerate digital transformation across businesses and support members in building Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

According to him, the partnership is aimed at helping businesses embrace innovation, improve competitiveness and contribute to the country’s digital economy agenda.

Inuwa also welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the reviewed PPP framework as a significant step toward encouraging greater private sector participation in infrastructure development.

He said increased investment from the private sector would help bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit while accelerating economic growth through technology-led solutions.

The conference brought together policymakers, investors, development partners and industry leaders to discuss innovative financing models and practical strategies for addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges across transportation, energy, housing and the digital sector.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that expanding digital infrastructure alongside conventional projects will be crucial to improving service delivery, attracting investments and positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa.