By 
Nigeria’s tech with innovation ecosystem is a sure way to creating value, wealth and prosperity for millions of citizens notably as Africa’s largest economy of more 200 million people is on track to become one of the leading digital economies in the world, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Mallam Kasifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has noted.
Abdullahi spoke this week in Abuja during the unveiling ceremony of the first Nigerian assembled Hyundai KONA electric vehicle, launched by National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
He said creating innovation ecosystem is the only way to easily get value that will enable growth, wealth and prosperity, adding that the introduction of electric vehicles in the country will further create a vibrant economy.
The NITDA’s boss stressed that the economic success of South Korea, which was not as developed as Nigeria 20 years ago, rests on innovative technology. He agreed with the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who spoke earlier at the event, that innovation is a rebirth of the reassembling of cars in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria should advance in the participation of building parts and not only in the assemblage of the automobile.
Abdullahi stated that NITDA is working with startups and young Nigerian entrepreneurs to develop ground breaking ideas on automobile, using Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy and others.
“This is an opportunity to work together to challenge our startups” said an excited Abdullahi over the launching of the electric automobile even as he commended the Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Jelani Aliyu, and their partners, Stallion Group, for their innovation and contribution to the technological advancement of Nigeria.
The NITDA is driven towards innovation and technology advancement, and the agency remains committed to implementing the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria, he added.
His words: “Our mandate is to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and regulation of Information Technology practices in Nigeria.”
He reiterated that the recent ground breaking of National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC) established by NITDA is in line with the NDEPS of the federal government committed to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.
“The NDIE Centre is intended to provide facilities that would encourage inquisitive perspectives and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to transform their skills to productivity. In addition, the Centre will provide the opportunity for start-ups to accelerate their innovations through design thinking sessions and co-innovation workshops,” said Abdullahi.
