In line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry. The Agency is advancing this goal through targeted digital initiatives, progressive policy frameworks, and strategic infrastructure development designed to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
Speaking at Moment 2026, Africa’s largest gathering of creators, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa highlighted the Agency’s vision of building a technology-enabled ecosystem where Nigerian creatives can innovate, scale, and compete globally. He was represented at the event by the Director of the DG’s Office, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola.
Emphasising the sector’s rapid growth, the DG noted that Nigeria’s creative industry, currently valued at over $9 billion, has the potential to surpass $13 billion in the coming years with the right structures and support systems in place.
“Nigeria has always been a hub of creativity—home to storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. Today, that creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression into a formidable economic force,” he stated.
Central to NITDA’s strategy is digital talent development. Through flagship programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency is equipping young Nigerians with in-demand skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media—positioning them for opportunities within the global creator economy.
Inuwa further underscored the critical role of technology in shaping the future of the creative sector. According to him, the fusion of creativity and digital tools is redefining content creation and distribution.
“Creativity today is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. With just a smartphone, a laptop, and internet access, a young Nigerian can reach a global audience,” he said.
To support this transformation, NITDA is investing in critical digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which offers secure and scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs. The Agency is also supporting nationwide broadband expansion efforts such as Project BRIDGE, aimed at improving connectivity and deepening participation in the digital economy.
Beyond infrastructure, NITDA continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust—key elements required to safeguard intellectual property and ensure a secure online environment for creators.
The DG also revealed that the Agency is leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria as a leader in creative innovation. Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), NITDA is driving research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creatives to adopt advanced tools for content production and digital storytelling.
Calling on young Nigerians to recognise the broader value of their work, Inuwa remarked, “Your creativity is more than entertainment—it is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and a vehicle for national influence.”
He reiterated NITDA’s unwavering commitment to implementing forward-thinking policies, expanding infrastructure, and fostering innovation ecosystems that will empower Nigeria’s creative industry to grow sustainably, generate employment, and significantly contribute to national economic diversification.
