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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
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Abdullahi, represented by Engr. Ya’u Garba, Deputy Director of the eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, made these remarks during the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). Speaking on the theme “Disruptive Transformational Innovation: Shaping the Future,” he emphasized the need for academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive innovations as tools for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its vast potential.
Bridging Innovation and Development
Abdullahi commended NSUK for organizing an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of knowledge-driven solutions. He noted that impactful innovation stems from the transition of academic inventions into practical applications capable of transforming industries, solving societal challenges, and accelerating national growth.
Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, he described it as a force capable of redefining established systems and introducing groundbreaking solutions. Citing historical breakthroughs like the Printing Press, Steam Engine, and Electricity, he underscored how such innovations have reshaped human existence and catalyzed modern development.
Leveraging Nigeria’s Resources
The NITDA DG stressed that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He advocated for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and fosters inclusive growth.
Highlighting NITDA’s initiatives, Abdullahi pointed to programs such as:
- National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA): Digitally transforming the agricultural sector.
- National Blockchain Adoption Strategy: Enhancing trust and transparency in digital transactions.
- National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Building a robust AI ecosystem in Nigeria.
These initiatives, he noted, are integral to the Federal Government’s broader strategy to position Nigeria as a global leader in the knowledge economy.
Call to Action for Academia and Stakeholders
Abdullahi urged institutions like NSUK to deepen their commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that foster startups, collaborating with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that can influence the future trajectory of Africa and the world.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to embrace the transformative power of innovation to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.
