The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a digitally intelligent nation through the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), positioning the country to harness the full potential of intelligent connectivity and smart technologies.
Speaking at the IoT West Africa, Data Centre and Cloud Expo in Lagos—co-located with Power and Water Nigeria and organized by Vertex Next—the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, delivered a bold and forward-thinking keynote address through Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships.
Inuwa laid out a compelling roadmap for Nigeria’s digital transformation, rooted in the limitless possibilities of IoT. With the global IoT market expected to surpass $1.6 trillion by 2025, he argued that Nigeria must be at the forefront of this revolution. “Imagine Nigerian farmers receiving real-time data on their crops’ needs,” he said. “Picture cities with intelligent traffic systems reducing gridlock, or a healthcare system capable of predicting and preventing disease outbreaks.”
He further envisioned a future where Nigeria’s national grid becomes self-healing—capable of detecting faults before failures occur—ensuring stable power for homes and industries. “Think about it: in Nigeria, where the grid can diagnose issues ahead of failure. That’s the transformative promise of IoT.”
Nigeria, with over 40% of Africa’s 1.4 billion population, represents a key leverage point for IoT-led development. Inuwa emphasized that the country’s fast-growing mobile penetration provides a unique opportunity to bypass traditional developmental hurdles and leap into a smarter, more efficient future.
The DG highlighted agriculture as a major area of impact, citing examples of IoT sensors optimizing irrigation, tracking livestock, and monitoring climate data—solutions that could significantly improve productivity in a sector that employs a large share of Nigerians.
Healthcare was another focal point, with Inuwa describing how wearable IoT devices could extend critical medical services to rural and underserved communities. Urban areas, he added, could benefit from expanded smart city initiatives that address waste management, water supply, and traffic congestion in cities like Lagos.
Despite Nigeria’s limited contribution to the global IoT ecosystem at present, Inuwa challenged the narrative, positioning the country’s untapped potential as a powerful opportunity. According to World Bank estimates, digital technologies could contribute nearly $200 billion to Africa’s GDP by the end of 2025—an economic windfall Nigeria is well-placed to share in.
However, he was candid about the roadblocks that must be addressed. Key among them are Nigeria’s broadband access gap, especially in rural communities, the persistent energy crisis, and the need for strong cybersecurity and data governance frameworks.
To tackle these issues, NITDA is executing a robust digital skills development plan. Aiming to train 30 million Nigerians in the informal sector and achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 (and 90% by 2030), initiatives like the Digital Literacy Champions program are already deploying local digital ambassadors across communities.
NITDA is also nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the Nigerian Startup Act and iHatch, both of which provide funding and support to local entrepreneurs building indigenous IoT solutions.
Inuwa called on key stakeholders to align with this vision. “Policymakers must shape a regulatory environment that supports innovation. Business leaders should invest in scalable solutions. Educators must prepare the next generation for this shift.”
Echoing this spirit of collaboration, Anoosh Sirkeck, Chief of Staff and Strategic Growth Leader at Vertex Next, highlighted the transformative nature of this year’s co-located expos, uniting critical sectors like IoT, data centers, cloud technology, energy, and water infrastructure.
“This year we are doing something truly transformative,” Sirkeck said. “Our event isn’t just a tech showcase—it’s about building Nigeria’s future together. These synergies are essential to unlocking the smart cities, sustainable energy, and inclusive development that the continent needs.”
He described the convergence of technology and infrastructure as a watershed moment for Nigeria, placing the country at a “transformative crossroads” where it has both the momentum and the ecosystem required to leap forward.
In summary, NITDA’s presence at the Expo signals more than strategic intent—it reflects a national commitment to ensuring that digital transformation is not only about catching up with global trends, but about actively shaping Nigeria’s own smart, inclusive, and connected future.
