The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised the need to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions capable of transforming governance, creating jobs and strengthening national competitiveness.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, renewed the Agency’s call for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and technology professionals to accelerate digital innovation and position Nigeria for inclusive economic growth.

Inuwa spoke at the 20th edition of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State, stressing that Nigeria’s digital future depends on sustained investments in innovation, digital skills, research and strategic partnerships that deliver measurable socio-economic impact.

He noted that NITDA remains committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that promote digital literacy, research and development, emerging technologies, cyber sovereignty and innovation-driven ecosystems designed to accelerate the country’s digital economy.

According to him, the Agency is also expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and technology startups through platforms that encourage collaboration and investment across the digital ecosystem.

“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.

Inuwa urged participants, particularly innovators and startup founders, to take advantage of the forthcoming Builders Summit to showcase indigenous solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development priorities.

Declaring the conference open, Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, described digital technology as an indispensable tool for modern governance and economic development, saying his administration has leveraged digital solutions to improve public service delivery, enhance internally generated revenue and modernise government processes.

The governor said technology would also play a decisive role in transforming agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference produce practical outcomes that will benefit the country.

Earlier, President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, FNCS, said the conference was designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators and industry leaders on strategies for deploying emerging technologies to drive national development.

On the conference theme, Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026), Aliyu identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as key technologies shaping the future of global economies.

He stressed that Nigeria's youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a unique opportunity to build a globally competitive economy, provided investments in innovation, digital infrastructure and skills development remain a national priority.

The conference attracted government officials, regulators, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private-sector leaders to deliberate on policies and innovations expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive economic renaissance.

•PHOTO: Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, joins dignitaries, stakeholders, and organisers for a group photograph at the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) in Jos, Plateau State.