The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated a Multistakeholder Coordination Group to reinforce collaboration and consolidate Nigeria’s progress in digital governance.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described Nigeria’s growing global recognition in digital governance as both an achievement and a responsibility that demands sustained commitment.
He warned against complacency, emphasizing that continued progress will require deliberate efforts to strengthen and expand existing gains. According to him, global recognition signals the need for Nigeria to do more in maintaining its leadership in digital transformation.
Inuwa attributed the country’s advancements to strategic investments in key policy frameworks and regulatory instruments, including the National E-Governance and Digital Economy Bill, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, as well as initiatives such as the Interoperability Framework and the Nigerian Government Enterprise Architecture. He noted, however, that while these measures have laid a solid foundation, stronger coordination and broader stakeholder engagement are essential to sustain momentum.
The newly inaugurated Multistakeholder Coordination Group, he explained, is designed to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and ensure inclusive participation across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, the NITDA DG urged stakeholders to prioritise underserved populations, including persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, and rural communities. He identified improved connectivity and enhanced digital literacy as critical drivers of inclusive digital transformation.
On regulatory performance, Inuwa disclosed that the agency reviewed IT projects worth over ₦1.5 trillion across federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies within the past year, achieving cost savings exceeding ₦319 billion. Despite this progress, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, noting that more than 56 percent of IT projects have historically underperformed due to inadequate planning and weak technical oversight.
To address these issues, NITDA is introducing stricter compliance measures focused on proper system design, professional certification, and quality assurance to improve project outcomes.
He also stressed the need to institutionalise reforms, cautioning that sustainable progress must not depend on individuals. Aligning the initiative with the digital transformation agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inuwa called for stronger accountability mechanisms within governance structures.
“We must create systems where stakeholders can hold us accountable for our commitments,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership in Nigeria, Gloria Ahmed, commended NITDA for the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward deepening collaboration across the country’s digital landscape.
She noted that the effort aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, stressing that technology remains a key enabler in building trust in governance.
Ahmed further highlighted Nigeria’s achievements under the Open Government Partnership, including its recognition at the 2025 Global Summit in Spain, and called for sustained commitment to ongoing reforms.
She also referenced the Fourth National Action Plan, which prioritises digital governance and the development of a national Digital Public Infrastructure, including the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform, aimed at improving coordination and public service delivery.
According to her, the success of these initiatives will depend on active collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
The inauguration of the Multistakeholder Coordination Group marks a significant step toward enhancing synergy among stakeholders and advancing a more transparent, inclusive, and digitally driven governance system in Nigeria.
