ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE). Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to NITDA headquarters, Inuwa described the engagement as a significant demonstration of leadership that is essential for accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and ensuring tight policy alignment across the sector.
During the meeting, Inuwa recalled previous engagements with the ministry, including a familiarisation visit where NITDA shared its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives. He highlighted critical policy areas that currently require the ministry’s guidance to move forward, specifically pointing to the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework. In doing so, he emphasised that maintaining clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect is vital for enhancing operational effectiveness and inter-agency cooperation.
The Director General also revealed that NITDA has been a pioneer in civil service reform, having implemented an internal Performance Management System (PMS) four years before its adoption across the wider Federal Civil Service. He disclosed that initiatives like “Project NEXT” have deeply rooted accountability and role clarity within the agency. Under this framework, promotions and rewards are strictly tied to measurable outcomes, ensuring a culture where high performance is celebrated and underperformance faces consequence management.
Transitioning from its origins as a traditional regulatory body, Inuwa explained that NITDA is actively transforming into a dynamic, high-velocity ecosystem enabler. The agency is embracing an agile, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture designed to empower staff to contribute fresh ideas that drive national innovation. This cultural shift aims to position NITDA at the forefront of wealth creation and tech-driven institutional growth, moving away from rigid bureaucratic structures.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the FMCIDE, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, praised NITDA’s forward-thinking approach and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting its agencies. Gagare noted that his visit was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen policy coordination, assess institutional progress, and address operational challenges requiring ministerial intervention. He stressed that without strong partnerships, sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey would be impossible to achieve.
Gagare highly commended NITDA’s management and staff for their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s digital future through digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and regulatory standards. He explicitly noted that the mandates of the various agencies under the ministry are interconnected, serving as direct inputs into one another. Because of this interdependence, he urged for continuous, tight collaboration to ensure that policies are implemented seamlessly and that federal civil service reforms are fully realised.
Ultimately, the high-level visit underscores a shared vision between the FMCIDE and NITDA to advance Nigeria’s digital economy through robust governance and effective collaboration. By aligning their strategic goals and enforcing strict performance standards, both institutions are positioning themselves to deliver inclusive growth, improved public service delivery, and sustainable economic development for the nation.