The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and enhance strategic policy alignment across the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, to the NITDA headquarters, Inuwa described the engagement as a strong demonstration of the Ministry’s leadership and support, stressing that sustained cooperation between both institutions remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.
The NITDA Director General recalled earlier engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which the Agency presented its strategic roadmap and key initiatives, noting that ongoing dialogue has continued to strengthen institutional alignment and collaboration.
He identified several strategic policy areas requiring deeper cooperation, including the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he stated, while emphasising the importance of clear institutional responsibilities and mutual respect in promoting operational efficiency and stronger inter-agency synergy.
Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA had pioneered the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) long before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he revealed, adding that initiatives such as Project NEXT have significantly improved accountability, role clarity, and measurable performance outcomes within the Agency.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
The Director General also highlighted NITDA’s transformation from a conventional regulatory agency into a dynamic innovation-driven institution focused on ecosystem development, inclusion, and national growth.
“We are building a high-velocity organization one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he said, explaining that the Agency is cultivating a flexible and entrepreneurial culture that encourages staff participation, creativity, and institutional growth.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of FMCIDE, Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with agencies under its supervision, describing partnership and coordination as essential to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he stated.
Gagare explained that the visit forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with agencies to improve policy coordination, evaluate progress, and address operational challenges requiring strategic intervention.
He commended the management and staff of NITDA for their contributions to Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, innovation development, cybersecurity awareness, and the creation of opportunities for startups and young innovators.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he noted.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of policy coherence among agencies within the Ministry, explaining that their mandates are interconnected and must operate seamlessly to achieve national objectives.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said, while assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued institutional support and guidance.
He also highlighted ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, particularly the adoption of the Performance Management System, which promotes accountability, target-driven performance, and measurable outcomes.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he added.
The visit further underscores the shared commitment of both FMCIDE and NITDA to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through stronger institutional collaboration, innovation-driven governance, and effective policy implementation, with the strengthened partnership expected to accelerate inclusive growth, improve service delivery, and support sustainable national development.