In a major step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at driving digital literacy, innovation, and economic development across the Southwest region.
The collaboration was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, marking a renewed commitment by both organisations to equip citizens with critical digital skills and strengthen innovation ecosystems capable of fostering sustainable growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership as a milestone in harnessing human capital and promoting regional collaboration as catalysts for national development.
He commended the Southwest for its long-standing tradition of cooperation among its states, noting that collective action remains one of the most effective pathways to achieving meaningful progress.
“The Southwest has consistently demonstrated the power of collaboration. No individual, organisation, or region can thrive in isolation. This culture of cooperation offers valuable lessons for the rest of the country. To unlock Nigeria’s full potential, we must identify our unique strengths and build on them collectively,” Inuwa stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s most valuable asset is its people, making investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology essential for creating wealth, expanding opportunities, and driving inclusive growth.
He explained that the partnership would facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity development, and innovation-driven initiatives designed to empower individuals and communities to develop home-grown solutions capable of addressing local challenges while competing globally.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation nationwide, Inuwa disclosed that the agency is expanding digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology adoption across sectors.
He stressed that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge, urging regions to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages.
“Lagos has emerged as Nigeria’s fintech capital and commercial powerhouse. Abuja is gradually positioning itself as a GovTech hub. Other regions also possess unique strengths that can be leveraged to develop specialised innovation ecosystems in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, commerce, and the creative economy,” he noted.
The NITDA boss expressed confidence that the partnership would fast-track the implementation of the agency’s strategic programmes across the Southwest and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
While noting that both organisations had already been collaborating before the formal signing of the agreement, he called for accelerated action to ensure rapid delivery of results.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents. Our engagement predates the signing of this MoU, but we expect even greater momentum going forward as we work together to translate our shared vision into measurable impact,” he added.
Earlier, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, described the partnership as a strategic intervention that would help prepare citizens of the Southwest for emerging opportunities within the digital economy.
Oyeleye noted that the Commission, which coordinates regional development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, views digital literacy as a fundamental requirement for economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
He referenced Nigeria’s ambitious goal of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 under the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest region would play a crucial role in achieving the target.
“Nigeria’s vision of developing digital skills for 100 million citizens by 2030 cannot be realised without the active participation of Southwest Nigeria. The region is not merely a contributor to this goal; it is central to its success,” he said.
According to Oyeleye, the MoU formalises a shared commitment to implementing and strengthening NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework throughout the Southwest.
He explained that the DAWN Commission would leverage its extensive network across the six states to bridge the gap between federal digital initiatives and grassroots communities, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and young people seeking opportunities in the digital economy.
“Our role is to ensure that NITDA’s programmes reach the people who need them most. Through our regional network, we will connect communities, institutions, and young innovators with the digital tools and skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world,” he stated.
Oyeleye further pledged the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year lifespan of the agreement, emphasizing that the success of development institutions should be measured by their impact on people rather than the number of agreements they sign.
The partnership underscores the shared vision of NITDA and the DAWN Commission to expand digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and unlock new economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s journey towards a more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive digital economy
