NITDA Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Digital Gender Gap

The National Information Technology Development Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital gender gap and promoting greater inclusion of women in the country’s growing digital economy.

The agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known during the 2nd National Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja, organised by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion under the Office of the Vice President.

Speaking during a panel session on regulatory reforms and their role in driving women’s inclusion towards a $1 trillion economy, Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, stressed the importance of digital inclusion as a foundation for achieving meaningful financial inclusion.

According to him, expanding access to digital opportunities remains critical to ensuring that women can fully participate in Nigeria’s digital and economic transformation.

To strengthen its commitment, NITDA continues to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into its programmes, guided by the National Gender Inclusion Strategy.

Onumo highlighted initiatives including We Elevate, Ignite Her, and the Founders Forum, which are designed to support and empower female entrepreneurs and founders within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

The agency also disclosed that at least 40 per cent of its broader programmes are intentionally designed to support women.

NITDA said the approach is aimed at expanding economic opportunities, increasing women’s participation in the technology sector and ensuring that no group is left behind as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow.

The agency maintained that achieving broader financial and economic inclusion requires sustained efforts to close the digital divide and provide women with the tools, opportunities and support needed to participate effectively in the digital economy.