As part of efforts to drive economic reform, inclusive growth, and diversification through industrialization and digitalization, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the nationwide expansion of its Hub Managers Training Programme. The initiative aims to leverage technological innovation to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and strengthen economic diversification across Nigeria.
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, made this known at the iHatch Cohort 4 Onsite Training for Hub Managers, held in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) at Hotel De Horizon, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The training program brought together 37 hub managers from all 36 states and the FCT, equipping them with the skills to develop strong incubation systems for startups, foster regional ecosystems through partnerships, enhance operational and mentorship capacity, and access global best practices via international exchange programs.
Inuwa emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology at the grassroots level to solve local challenges in sectors such as agriculture and small-scale trade.
“We don’t want technological innovation to be concentrated only in Lagos and Abuja. We want to take it to the grassroots and use it to solve real-life problems. That is why we designed the iHatch initiative,” he stated.
The pilot phase of iHatch, conducted in Abuja, successfully trained 50 startups, leading to the creation of 179 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs. With its expansion to all 37 states, the initiative is expected to generate 740 direct jobs and 7,400 indirect jobs by the end of the year.
Highlighting the need for collaboration and ecosystem development, Inuwa stressed that innovation thrives in clusters where stakeholders exchange ideas and incubate solutions.
“To sustain this initiative, we must build a strong community where startups, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders can continuously share ideas and collaborate. We don’t want startups to just pass through the programme; we want them to remain within the iHatch ecosystem because we want this initiative to expand to all the 774 local governments of the country,” he explained.
Beyond job creation, the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides legal backing and incentives for startups. Inuwa encouraged participants to become ambassadors of the Act in their states, ensuring that more startups benefit from its provisions.
Reaffirming NITDA’s long-term goal, Inuwa stated, “In line with the president’s mandate, our ultimate goal is to see every Nigerian digitally literate, using technology to access government and private sector services. We also want our market women to leverage technology to expand their businesses.”
He concluded by urging continued investment in local capacity to unleash national potential, pledging NITDA’s commitment to driving innovation across Nigeria. “We at NITDA are proud to walk this journey with you. Let’s keep building, let’s keep innovating, and let’s continue to shape the future of Nigeria, one innovation at a time.”