The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a measure to bloster Nigeria’s digital economy and foster economic growth through technological innovation, . This partnership is in line with the presidential priority areas focused on economic reform, sustained inclusive growth and accelerated diversification through industrialization and digitization.
The announcement came during a meeting at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, where Director General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE hosted a delegation led by Mr. Aleksandar Stojanov from the World Bank and WTO. The discussions centered on enhancing digital trade and cross-border data services, as well as developing regulatory policies to drive economic growth through technological advancements.
In his address, Inuwa outlined NITDA’s commitment to reviewing and updating its regulations, highlighting the newly recrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 for 2024-2027. This strategic plan focuses on eight pillars, including Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks to create an enabling environment for the digital economy and trade.
“We started with recrafting our Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 for 2024-2027, which includes eight strategic pillars. One of these pillars is Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Framework to ensure we create an enabling environment for the digital economy and digital trade,” Inuwa stated.
A key highlight of the meeting was the advanced stage of establishing a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to support the nation’s electronic signature framework. Inuwa revealed that extensive research into international best practices and substantial investment in necessary infrastructure underpin this framework.
Efforts are also underway to push for a comprehensive digital economy bill that will incorporate the electronic signature framework and other critical regulatory instruments. Inuwa emphasized the importance of blockchain technology in enhancing the security and efficiency of digital transactions, noting the development of a broader blockchain policy focusing on smart contracts implementation.
Inuwa further discussed the upcoming data exchange platform designed to streamline and enhance messaging systems. “We have the Nigerian Data Strategy which will create a balance between the protection and the viability of open data to promote innovation. Even within the country, we need to allow people to access open data for innovation and decision-making,” he said.
NITDA is also working on streamlining its regulations to address existing challenges effectively. Inuwa underscored the necessity of digitalizing Nigeria’s single window and customs procedures, highlighting NITDA’s active participation in cross-border digital trade protocols to enhance Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.
“The EU just developed a Cyber Resilience Act which covers software and hardware testing issues. We can also develop an instrument that addresses cyber resilience, including software, hardware, firmware issues, and even the national cybersecurity architecture,” he opined.
In his remarks, Mr. Stojanov shared initial findings from the World Bank’s digital trade regulatory gap analysis in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and the critical role of regulations in enhancing digital trade. He assured the World Bank’s eagerness to collaborate with NITDA to propel digital trade and cross-border data services.
The collaboration between NITDA, the World Bank, and the WTO marks a significant step towards optimizing Nigeria’s digital landscape and positioning the country as a key player in the global digital economy.
