The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed that expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is critical to achieving the country’s industrialisation agenda, describing technology as a key driver of sustainable economic growth and national development.
The agency made this known at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja. The conference, themed “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders and development stakeholders to explore strategies for accelerating infrastructure development through private investment.
Speaking during the conference, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasised the urgent need to increase infrastructure investments while integrating digital infrastructure into conventional infrastructure projects to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
According to Inuwa, digital infrastructure has become indispensable in today’s economy, where technology underpins virtually every sector. He stressed that integrating digital capabilities into physical infrastructure is essential for building resilient cities, enhancing productivity, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. Therefore, there is a need to embed digital infrastructure into the conventional infrastructure we are building,” he said.
The NITDA boss commended the Federal Government for encouraging greater private sector participation in infrastructure development and expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with NACCIMA and other stakeholders in advancing the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agenda.
He noted that NITDA is already working with NACCIMA to digitise its operations and assured participants of the agency’s continued support in developing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships to enable the private sector participate in building national infrastructure. NITDA will support you to work with the government in developing digital infrastructure. We are already collaborating with NACCIMA on digitising its infrastructure,” Inuwa added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NACCIMA, Engr Jani Ibrahim, described INFRACON 2026 as a strategic platform designed to mobilise private capital, foster innovation, and build partnerships that will accelerate infrastructure development across Nigeria.
He urged participants to embrace collaboration and innovation, noting that NACCIMA is actively identifying credible investment partners, promoting bankable infrastructure projects, and tracking progress towards the country’s economic transformation goals.
Ibrahim disclosed that this year’s conference is centred on key sectors critical to national development, including power and electricity, the maritime and blue economy, the digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for improved national productivity, as well as infrastructure to drive industrialisation and export growth.
Expressing appreciation to participants and sponsors, he reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to working with stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment and infrastructure financing.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can lay the foundation for Nigeria’s one-trillion-dollar economy,” Ibrahim stated.
