NITDA Reaffirms Support for States on Data-Driven Governance at Abia Workshop

LAGOS – In line with the reform priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focused on economic transformation, digital innovation and improved governance, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its commitment to supporting sub-national governments in developing integrated, data-driven systems to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable growth.

The commitment was restated at the Future Enterprise and Data Architecture of Abia State workshop themed “One Citizen, One Identity: Unlocking Data-Driven Governance.” The high-level forum convened policymakers, technocrats and development partners to outline strategies for building a unified digital public sector anchored on interoperability and citizen-centric governance.

Speaking during a panel session titled “Breaking Silos, Building One Government,” NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, underscored the importance of collaboration in driving successful digital transformation.

“One thing that is very clear is partnership and collaboration. If you want to take advantage of collective intelligence, then partnership is the key. If you want to succeed in building a unified government system, collaboration is the way to go,” he said.

He stressed that digital transformation goes beyond technology deployment to include cultural and institutional change. According to him, resistance to change and entrenched silos within public institutions can undermine even the most advanced technological frameworks if deliberate efforts are not made to shift mindsets.

Highlighting NITDA’s strategic direction, the Director General noted that digital literacy remains a foundational pillar of the agency’s national development agenda. He disclosed that NITDA is targeting 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide through structured interventions, including plans to train 30 million Nigerians across both formal and informal sectors using digital learning platforms delivered through community and institutional partnerships.

The initiative, he added, aligns with broader efforts to strengthen governance systems, enhance transparency and position Nigeria for inclusive participation in the digital economy.