Fresh moves to deepen Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda emerged on Thursday as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy strengthened strategic collaboration on critical digital economy policies, including sovereign cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nadungu Gagare, to the headquarters of NITDA in Abuja.
Speaking during the engagement, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the visit as a strong demonstration of leadership support and institutional cooperation needed to drive Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
According to him, continuous engagement between the Ministry and its agencies remains essential for effective policy coordination and implementation.
The NITDA DG recalled earlier engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which the Agency presented its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives.
He noted that such interactions had strengthened institutional alignment and improved collaboration across the sector.
Highlighting critical policy areas requiring continued partnership, Inuwa pointed to the proposed national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said.
He stressed the need for clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect to improve inter-agency cooperation and operational efficiency.
Inuwa also disclosed that NITDA pioneered the implementation of the Performance Management System, PMS, years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he said.
According to him, internal reform initiatives such as Project NEXT have improved accountability, role clarity, and measurable performance outcomes within the Agency.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
The NITDA boss further described the Agency’s transition from a traditional regulator into a dynamic innovation-focused institution.
“We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he stated.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with agencies under its supervision.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he stated.
Gagare explained that the visit formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening policy coordination, reviewing institutional progress, and addressing operational challenges.
He commended NITDA’s role in advancing digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and startup development in Nigeria.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of policy coherence among agencies under the Ministry.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he noted.
He further highlighted the ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms anchored on the Performance Management System.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he added.
The visit reflects growing efforts by both institutions to strengthen governance, innovation, and collaboration in driving inclusive digital growth and national development.
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