The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria's transition into a globally competitive digital economy.

This commitment was reaffirmed at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions aimed at advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, who is represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the two-day event themed "Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies."

Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators, Kashifu emphasized that the future of Nigeria's prosperity would increasingly be determined by its ability to harness technology, innovation, and human capital rather than reliance on natural resources.

According to him, the global digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities for Africa and Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments, and improve productivity through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.

"The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria's greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age," he stated.

He noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries across the world and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.

He further highlighted NITDA's ongoing implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.

The keynote also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria's youthful population.

The Port Harcourt Tech Expo brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to Artificial Intelligence, startup development, digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth.

Participants explored opportunities for positioning the Niger Delta as a major hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while discussing strategies for addressing challenges related to skills development, startup financing, infrastructure, and technology commercialization.

During the event, NITDA engaged with technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at advancing digital inclusion and innovation-led development.

The Agency also used the platform to amplify the several of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

Observers at the event commended NITDA's leadership in driving Nigeria's digital transformation agenda and noted the growing impact of the Agency's interventions in supporting startups, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the country's innovation ecosystem.

The Expo concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support innovation, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, developing talent, enabling innovation, and creating a technology-driven economy that delivers sustainable prosperity for all citizens.

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