NITDA, DAWN Commission Partner to Accelerate Digital Literacy, Innovation in Southwest
Digitnomics 
By Nonye Ngoka,
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
The partnership, formalised in Abuja, seeks to strengthen digital skills development, promote innovation ecosystems, and support the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a strategic move to harness human capital and deepen regional collaboration for sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its culture of cooperation, noting that collective action remains critical to driving economic growth and innovation.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation. For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” Inuwa said.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, making investments in digital skills, technology, and innovation essential for creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
He noted that the partnership would facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation-driven programmes designed to empower citizens to develop local solutions with both national and global relevance.
Highlighting NITDA’s efforts to advance digital transformation across the country, Inuwa said the Agency is scaling digital literacy initiatives, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development nationwide.
He emphasised that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge, stressing the need for regions to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors. Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
The NITDA boss expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Agency’s strategic programmes across the Southwest and urged both organisations to move swiftly from planning to execution.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, underscored the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Oyeleye noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states, views the partnership as a critical step toward advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He referenced Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest region would play a pivotal role in achieving the national objective.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
According to him, the MoU formalises a shared commitment to implementing the National Digital Literacy Framework across the region while ensuring that federal digital initiatives reach local communities and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” Oyeleye stated.
He also assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, stressing that the value of development institutions should be measured by impact rather than signed agreements.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing digital literacy, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and creating sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s transition to a robust and inclusive digital economy.
